Why do paintings get damaged over time? We all assume that there are certain factors that can affect the quality of a painting, but what are these factors? What causes paintings to get damaged? Today we will help you protect works of art from the passage of time: How to care for your paintings.
There are 3 reasons why a painting gets damaged
In addition to the obvious reasons why a work of art can be damaged, there are many reasons that can go unnoticed. Many of them are unavoidable, but here are three reasons why paintings are damaged!
1.- Contact with air
Indeed! Just like when you cut an apple, everything that is in contact with the air undergoes a reaction. This is called oxidation and although it is more obvious in certain materials, we all suffer from it: humans, objects and, of course, paintings.
2.- Contact with light
Another factor that directly affects a work of art and that must be taken into account is solar radiation. You should try to place your work in a place where it is not directly hit by sunlight. This accelerates the action of the air and will oxidize the paint much faster.
3.- Temperature changes
Another factor that directly affects the deterioration of works is humidity and temperature changes. Humidity causes stretchers and canvases to expand, causing the surface to bend, making it impossible to display. Humidity can sometimes even create fungus on the stretchers!
Tips to protect your paintings
As we said, many of these factors are unavoidable, but there are always certain tricks you can carry out to maintain the quality of your works for longer.
1.- Do not place your works near temperature regulating devices such as radiators or air conditioners.
2.- Avoid humid areas of the house to hang your paintings, this includes of course, bathrooms and kitchens.
3.- If you cannot avoid humid areas, you can create a ventilation channel. To do this, place small hooks on the bottom of the work, so that it will be slightly separated from the wall and you will let the air flow.
4.- Try to place your works in high areas, in this way, you will avoid any unwanted knocks.
5.- Frame the works! If the support allows it, frame it, this way you will avoid the surface bending.
So far, these are some tips and tricks for taking care of your works of art, but remember, a work of art cannot look perfect forever… So, try to enjoy it while you can and be careful with restoration processes, which are sometimes worse than the deterioration…