Caring for your paintings is not as difficult as you may think.
Just by following a few simple suggestions you should protect your investments for a lifetime or more. Hopefully these basic suggestions will assist true collectors to novice collectors alike.
Avoid hanging your paintings in direct sunlight or ultraviolet lights, such as Halogen or Fluorescent lighting, as prolonged exposure can fade the colours or cause them to become brittle or yellowed which is very difficult to repair once the damage is done. Heat from radiators or central heating can also cause paintings to become brittle or yellowed.
While this one may sound obvious avoid leaning the stretched surface of paintings against pointed or sharp objects. This is not only because of the risk of ripping the canvas but could leave marks that cannot be removed.
When positioning your artwork think carefully about what you are doing as the environment can be very damaging to art. Be sure to dust your painting regularly but do not use household cleaning products under any circumstances. Paintings are generally treated so using a soft, dry cloth. Do not be tempted to use a damp or wet cloth as this, again could damage the work.
Avoid areas where you are likely to get condensation as this can lead to the painting suffering from damp, mildew or mould. Generally avoid humid areas.it is important you should keep an eye for signs of this when cleaning your paintings as it could lead to more severe damage like cracking or staining. Likewise it is wise to avoid areas like bathrooms, kitchens and basements as they are susceptible to damp due to regular changes in temperature.
When transporting artwork be sure to lay the painting completely flat with a sheet of firm cardboard or similar on both the front and back surfaces and then wrap it in bubble wrap or something similarly protective.
Most of this is probably common sense but in truth that is all that is required.