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How To Keep Artwork Safe and Protect it From Damage: 7 Steps to Take

Whether ensuring the protection of fine art murals in a public space or a private home, keeping artwork in a secure and stable environment will mitigate potential damage. Caring for fine art is a great responsibility that can feel overwhelming at times, but there are certain precautions owners can take to ensure their artwork remains in stable condition. First and foremost, an understanding of the proper environmental conditions appropriate to long term storage or exposition of fine art will play a significant role in the stability of the artwork over time. As owners become more informed on the care of the fine art in their care, the more confident they will be at protecting their artwork and their ability to promptly address damage or concerns.

Before and After Conservation of murals at St. Anne Church, Waterbury, Connecticut.

Before and After Conservation of murals at St. Anne Church, Waterbury, Connecticut.

The following are seven steps an owner can take to ensure murals and fine art paintings are properly cared for:

1) Handle with Care

This may seem obvious but carefully handling fine art during shipment or inspection is paramount to maintaining a stable paint layer. Contact with incompatible materials or abrupt handling can cause permanent physical damage to fine art. Typically the older the artwork, the more fragile the paint to substrate relationship.

2) Protect from Moisture

Knowing how to store artwork properly can help prevent moisture damage, one of the most common causes of damage to murals. High humidity or water infiltration can cause the paint layers to separate, crack, and potentially come away from the canvas. Over time, this type of moisture damage can destabilize even the most robust works of art, so maintaining a dry environment for artwork is paramount to the mural stability.

Temperature fluctuations due to the change in seasons or heating/cooling systems will also affect the paint layer if too extreme, as they cause expansion and contraction of the substrate. Avoid exposing artwork to extreme temperatures to minimize these risks.

Mural suffered varying degrees of deterioration and loss due to moisture intrusion and plaster substrate destabilization

UNH WPA mural that suffered varying degrees of deterioration and loss due to moisture intrusion and plaster substrate destabilization.

3) Protect from Direct Sunlight

Overexposure to natural light, particularly direct sunlight, can distort the coloration of fine art murals in a short period of time. This is often due to harmful UV light, which accelerates fading and deterioration of pigments. To protect your artwork, avoid hanging or storing it in direct sunlight. Other solutions to mitigate damage from sunlight may include installation of UV-protective museum glass and/or window shades.

4) Keep Area Clean

Overtime, mural surfaces will collect layers of dust which will distort the coloration of the painting. Mitigating the levels of dust and grime within the general proximity of artwork will protect the appearance of the paint layer.

5) Protection During Construction

When construction is taking place near fine art, it is important to include protective measures in the scope of work regardless if the artwork requires conservation. A minor analysis determining the stability of the artwork will provide a program for the necessary protective measures.

Murals at Hale Library, Kansas State University, protected during onsite construction

Murals at Hale Library, Kansas State University, protected during onsite construction

6) Do not Hesitate to Seek Expert Advice from a Conservator

Evidence of damage such as discoloration, canvas tears, craquelure, and paint loss will require the examination of a conservator. Over time, varnish layers of historic paintings can yellow with age. The original mural coloration may be conserved; however, it is important that conservators gather as much possible information on the original artist and the artwork in order to properly conserve the piece as originally intended. An expert conservator should be capable of discerning the original paint and substrate materials in order to determine an appropriate means of conservation. In-depth knowledge on historic materials and methods is crucial in determining compatible conservation materials. Every conservation process is tailored specifically to the painting depending on the type of paint used, substrate, age, environment, and any damages.

Intervening methods must follow the American Institute for Conservation’s code of ethics. Upon thorough examination, an explanation of damages and suggestions for conservation are compiled into a comprehensive report. The report should include the historical and material history of the work as well as information on previous damage and interventions as necessary. Since the report is based on historical, scientific, and observational data, it provides the owner with a complete summary on the artwork. Proper documentation of artwork analysis and conservation methods is crucial to record keeping and ensuring the correct methods of conservation are applied.

Mural Conservation progress at Old Steinway Building, New York City

Conservation progress at Old Steinway Building, New York City

7) Regular Inspections

Depending on the fragility of the artwork, whether there are fluctuating environmental conditions, or nearby construction, it may be a good idea to monitor the stability of the artwork for a period of time. Regular inspection of the artwork may require daily humidity readings and intermittent stabilization or general check-ins to ensure protective measures and conservation efforts are performing as expected.

The goal of fine art conservation is long term preservation. Both owners and experts have responsibilities in the care of the fine art entrusted to them. As an owner, continuing to educate yourself on the history and materials of fine art in your care will build confidence in handling fine art repairs. You may want to review the American Institute for Conservation’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice. This will help to understand the qualifications required of conservation experts when preparing for a conservation project. In conclusion, creating a stable environment for the artwork and educating yourself on the process of conservation will ensure proper preservation.

fine arts conservator in action

Canning C

January 16, 2025

Featured Projects

Old Steinway

Old Steinway

John Canning & Co. performed art conservation of the ceiling artwork, and the restoration of the architectural paint finishes and plaster features.

Kansas State University Hale Library

Hale Library, Kansas State University

Canning performed mural conservation of the Overmyer murals and the We Are the Dream mural, at Kansas State University’s Hale Library.

Hamilton Smith Hall, University of New Hampshire Mural Conservation

Hamilton Smith Hall, University of New Hampshire

The John Canning & Co. fine-art conservation team stabilized and conserved two, wall-sized WPA murals at UNH. The murals suffered varying degrees of deterioration and loss due to moisture intrusion and plaster substrate destabilization over nearly 80 years.

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