Taking Care of your Art Piece
Conditions of preservation
Light
Light could cause chemical changes in many materials used in our artworks. Sustained exposure to ultra violet rays found in natural light is the most damaging. We suggest to minimise natural daylight and use light which filters out UV.
Temperature and relative humidity
A constant climate is the ideal situation for keeping works of art stable. The standard temperature for keeping your artworks safe is 20ºC ± 1ºC. The accepted standard for relative humidity is 50% ± 3%. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity set up cycles of expansion and contraction which will inexorably lead to the deterioration of artworks.
Dust
Dust is composed of minute particles including some hard substances that can scratch artwork if rubbed against the surface of a painting. Some types of dirt, including insect debris, can contain acidic components which eat into the artwork surface. Similarly, industrial air pollutants can affect the artwork or the finish on a frame. It is important to keep artworks free from dust and dirt and away from air pollutants.
Physical vibration or impact
Always transport your Atelier WOCS artworks in protective crates to reduce vibration from movement and shock. The best option if you are going long distances or have large pieces of the collection, is to use a removal company specializing in art transport.
Stretching and framing
Please use only acid free framing and mounting materials. Make sure that your artwork is stretched and framed correctly and fitted with a safe hanging system which is appropriate for the weight of the work. Poor stretching can result in an inappropriate degree of tautness and deformation of the frame support. If it is on a rigid support, ensure that the hanging system does not endanger the artwork or the support. Frames generally protect works of art. It is important that a conservation standard backboard be fitted to the frame. This will reduce damage from changes in the environment, poor handling and airborne pollutants and dust.
Handling an Atelier WOCS Unframed Art
The artworks from Atelier WOCS stand apart from standard prints, such as screen-prints or lithographs. They are crafted using the exquisitely sensitive Etorie pigment inks, making them extraordinarily delicate. To preserve the unique beauty of these pieces, it is imperative to follow the specific handling instructions included with your artwork.
When you're ready to frame your piece, it's vital to lift and support the artwork from the bottom, carefully avoiding any contact with the inked areas. The Etorie inks, particularly in darker shades, are vulnerable to the slightest touch, and fingerprints can irreversibly affect their appearance without the use of gloves.
Before unveiling your artwork from its protective box, ensure that the framing environment is utterly free from dust and that you have the proper framing materials ready. This attention to detail ensures that your Atelier WOCS artwork remains pristine and captivating for years to come.
Hanging
For example, an artwork hanging in a bathroom will be subjected to fluctuating conditions of temperature and humidity. If the moisture content of the air is high enough mould growth will flourish, resulting in disfigurement of the image and in many cases a permanent change in the artwork surface. Not all damage is treatable, so it is best to take preventive action and hang your artwork away from outside walls, direct sunlight or spotlighting, water pipes and splashing, wet or very dry areas, high traffic areas such as hallways where contact with the painting may occur, open fires, gas fires and heating/cooling ducts, tobacco smoke and food preparation areas.
Deteriorated or damaged artworks
If your artwork does sustain damage or is in a deteriorated or dirty condition, don’t attempt to repair or clean it yourself. Artwork surfaces are extremely vulnerable to hands touching (use gloves), water and other cleaning agents which may damage them irreparably. Get in touch with Atelier WOCS for any query or seek advice from a local professional art framer.