Buying a painting from an artist or a gallery is already a great investment, that you would like to never see faded or damaged. So here are 5 tips to ensure that your favourite painting does not deteriorate over time (because that would be a real shame)… And you will see that the location you choose for your painting is crucial!

1. Avoid direct light

It is out of the question to place a work of art just behind bay windows where the sun is beating down on it. The same applies if you don’t have shutters, blinds or curtains: don’t leave the painting in the moonlight… its colours could fade quickly!

2. Avoid water steam

One would like to be able to install one’s masterpiece in the kitchen or bathroom… but I strongly advise against it! Water vapour (from the bath, shower or pots and pans) could seriously damage the paint. So for these rooms: prefer reproductions such as prints on canvas or posters (good thing you can find them in the shop).

3. Avoid heat sources

Do not place your original painting over the radiator, or cooking fires (as already mentioned above, we avoid the kitchen anyway), as the heat will alter the work.

4. Do not clean with water or detergents

You may remember that scene in the film Mr Bean, in which he accidentally erases the original of Whistler’s mother (Arrangement in black and grey No. 1 by James Abbott McNeill Whistler for the purists)… No ? I’ll put the link to the video here because it’s worth it. Although it’s extremely over the top, don’t do it. Ever. Under any circumstances. Unless you want to reuse the canvas to paint a new one (but take my word for it, no need for that). 

5. Clean with a dry cloth

This is the only valid way to clean a hand-painted canvas and remove the dust. If you’ve accidentally put ketchup on it or if your toddler has scribbled on it with a marker… I feel sorry for you, but it will need touching up. A lot of touching up.

In conclusion :

As you can see, in order for a work of art not to deteriorate over time, it will need love… but above all, it will need the perfect location, because the place where you hang it will be very important in giving it a long and beautiful life.