How do you protect works of art at home? 11 expert tips for your collection

When it comes to valuable works of art , it is important to know how to properly protect them. In this article we will give you 11 expert tips that help you protect your collection from harmful attacks.

Whether paintings, collector's objects or hand -signed fan articles - the protective measures are very similar. Both environmental influences, human awkward, accidents as well as burglars or criminals can endanger their valuable works of art. It is therefore important to deal with the topic. In this article you will find detailed information on the protection of works of art in your own four walls - curated by experts on the subject.

Why protect works of art at home?

Works of art are susceptible to a variety of harmful influences and without the right precautions, this can quickly lead to financial losses.

In today's world, art collectors not only have to make sure that their collection is protected from environmental influences, but also from theft and even in exceptional cases from political activists who are targeting certain works of art.

It is basically a good idea to find out about the respective protective measures and also implement them in order to preserve the artistic treasures.

If you consider that museums and galleries often have strict protocols to protect the works of art (see star: glazing, motion detectors, plexiglasshae: what museums do to protect art ), it only makes sense that you also take appropriate protective measures at home. In this article, expert tips are listed to protect and preserve the works of art.

It is important that you create the right environment for storing your collection and pay attention to an appropriate climate control. In addition, you should be aware of where you keep your works of art and what kind of care and cleaning is necessary. The contact with light and sunlight is harmful to paintings and pictures and should be avoided.

Overall, it is about preserving your works of art for future generations, and this requires careful consideration and planning.

If you follow the tips in this article, you can make sure that your collection always stays in perfect condition and is preserved for future generations.

How do you protect works of art?

Works of art are an important aspect of our cultural heritage and represent both an artistic and financial value. It is therefore of crucial importance that we take measures to protect them.

One way to protect works of art is to keep them in a safe space that is equipped suitable safety and surveillance systems This can be a display or a safe specially made for the artwork.

Another way to protect works of art is to wait regularly and preserve them. This includes avoiding direct sunlight, avoiding sudden temperature fluctuations and the control of the air humidity. It is also important to protect works of art against physical damage such as scratches or signs of wear through contact with humans or other objects.

If works of art have to be transported, it is important that they are transported by qualified experts in transport containers specially designed for this purpose.

In order to prevent theft and damage, it is also crucial to ensure careful surveillance during transport. In summary, it can be said that works of art can be protected by storing a safe place, maintenance and preservation, transport of qualified experts and careful surveillance during transport. This can ensure that future generations will continue to have access to our cultural heritage.

Below you will find some detailed expert tips for effective and sustainable protection for your beloved works of art.

1. Create the right environment for your art collection

If you have an art collection at home, it is particularly important to create the right environment to protect your works of art. An incorrectly set temperature and humidity can not only lead to your works of art be damaged, but also be harmful to your health.

Experts recommend a temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius and an air humidity between 40 and 60 percent . Make sure that your works of art not directly exposed to the light to avoid that you become matt or are subject to color changes.

But contact with other objects can also be a danger to your works of art. Therefore, you should never hang your paintings directly on the wall use the spacer instead .

If you want to properly protect your works of art, you should also cleaning and care . use aggressive cleaning agents and avoid bringing the works of art into contact with water.

In order to be on the safe side, you should also take out insurance for your collection and consider where you keep your works of art to protect you from possible damage.

In short, creating the right environment for your art collection requires a certain amount of attention and care. But it is worth ensuring that your collection is protected and in perfect condition.

2. Climate control: the right temperature and humidity

An important aspect when protecting your art collection at home is climate control. The correct temperature and humidity can help to protect your works of art from harmful influences.

A false humidity can lead to mold or deformation of paintings, for example. To avoid this, it makes sense to keep the temperature in your living area constant and to ventilate regularly. The optimal room temperature is often mentioned 21 degrees. Some experts point out that 18 to 20 degrees can also be sufficient for the private collection. In any case, however, it remains important to pay attention to a stable indoor climate as possible without major changes (see Brune: Protecting art through the correct air humidity

A relative humidity between 40% and 60% is recommended . measure the humidity in your home with a simple hygrometer

Unfavorable humidity damages hygroscopic materials

Paper is a material that interacts with its surroundings due to its hygroscopic properties. With high humidity, it can absorb moisture while it can release moisture in dry air. Although this is useful for some applications, it can be risky with art.

Under high humidity conditions, paper can swell and deform what can lead to bumps and waves. On the other hand, paper can move in with very dry air and become brittle and cracked, which is particularly relevant for works of art such as drawings that are on paper.

It is important to note that paper is not the only hygroscopic material used in art. Wood and some canvases for paintings are also sensitive to changes in humidity.

For this reason, it is important to keep an eye on the air humidity in storage rooms of private collections, private exhibition rooms and public museums and to avoid extreme conditions.

There are good reasons for this. If the canvas of a painting extend and contracts due to frequent changes in the humidity, the color can be less elastic and scroll or flake off. It is therefore important to protect works of art against the negative effects of changes in humidity.

Old oil paints are sensitive to moisture

The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) reported in 2019 about research results on the effect of moisture on the aging process of oil paintings. Particular attention was paid to a white dye, which also used famous painters such as Picasso and van Gogh and faded faster due to moisture.

The University of Amsterdam has commissioned a team of researchers to examine the reactions of the zinc ions contained in the color pigments with the linseed oil used for the works of art with and without water. In doing so, they found that ring-shaped zinc oxocomplexes that arise in a moist environment could be the cause of accelerated aging processes. It should be noted that a high humidity can harm master images

Risk factor: mold!

Moisture and an organic underground are essential for the growth of mold. With high moisture values, cellulose as a surface is as good as wood or many types of canvas materials.

When air cools down, it can absorb less moisture than before. The amount of water previously absorbed without problems suddenly exceeds the maximum storage capacity of the air, which leads to a condensation. This moisture can moisturize the wooden frame of a painting and thus offer an ideal breeding ground for mold.

By using professional air conditioning technology, art can be protected from harmful effects by temperature fluctuations and high humidity. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are just a few of the means that can be used to keep the air humidity in combination operation in a narrow -limited area.

This offers optimal protection for exhibits of any kind. This ensures that the works of art will be preserved in its original form and that future generations can also be delighted.

Further risks in unfavorable indoor climate

There are other dangers that can threaten works of art due to unfavorable air humidity values, in addition to those already mentioned. In the case of sculptural works from mineral materials, salt flourishing occur in the worst case. A bronze sculpture can be susceptible to the so -called bronze disease , in which unwanted green or white coatings can form.

Salts are basically involved in moisture damage as good as always as relevant damage caused by damage. Their destructive influence is visible on the surface by discoloration and moist spots. Depending on the nature of the building fabric, in which art is stored or presented, this can also apply to the masonry, the floors or the ceiling.

In the event of moisture damage, salts are almost always involved as the main source of damage. Their damaging effect is shown by discoloration and moist spots on the surface. There is a formation of efflorescence, in which salts crystallize fluffy or crusty on the surface ( saltpeters ). This results in the fact that the plaster begins to be drafted, loses its strength and finally dropped out. In this way, precious wall paintings and stucco elements can be irretrievably damaged.

Likewise, the moisture and its damage via the masonry can pass to its works of art stored in the premises or accelerate their infestation. Emergences on walls are always an indication that moisture is in the wall and should not be overlooked as a warning sign. have any salt flourishing and saltpeters removed , you should always take a professional hand .

In addition, studies show that cellulose reacts more sensitive to factors such as dust or UV light in moist environments.

If you are not sure whether you do everything right in the climate control, you can get advice from experts in museums or art galleries . In this way, your valuable art collection remains in perfect condition.

3. A safe suspension avoids falls

Prevent art from slipping off the wall! Imagine that you have to stand by and see how a valuable piece of your art collection falls to the ground.

The professional artistry and retention specialist Isaac Karner told the history of a customer to Artwork Archive who desperately called him because of a broken antique mirror. "It was hung on a wire ," he said, "this is not the right hanging system for something so big and heavy." The mirror hung over an ancient piece of furniture that was also destroyed when the mirror fell down.

There is a lot to consider when caring for your works of art at home. You probably bought your favorite works with a clear vision, but bring you home and find that you have not taken into account the space, weight and support in order to install it immediately.

Therefore, think about the following points in connection with the correct and secure suspension or installation of a purchased work of art at:

a. Commission a professional art hanger

Professional artists know how to best support and hang art with the right materials. These proceed by weight and know which hardware will work.

Professional artists work with a variety of hardware and have a system based on weight and size for hanging their pieces. If it is worth the certainty that your art hangs safely on the wall, we recommend that you hire a specialist.

b. Hang up works of art so that doors and ventilation are not in the way

When planning your art exhibition, assume that it is a nice day and your doors and windows are open. If a breeze or sudden summer rain could penetrate through a flying door and damage your piece, it is a good idea to think of alternative locations.

You also want to prevent works of art directly into the swing of your ventilation system.

c. DIY: Use of the right wall hangers

If you want to carry out the suspension yourself, make sure that the suspension and the hardware used for the corresponding weight and the surface are suitable.

The use of false image hangers is a common mistake and also a more expensive one. This happens when you start hanging up the work of art without making proper assessment.

to always take four things into account when choosing the right art trailer : the type of wall where you hang up, the type of work of art that you hang on, which is on the back of the frame and the weight of the object.

For DIY projects such as setting up your own art gallery at home, you will find some image hangers that you can use:

For small and light art

• Sawzel clipper hanger
• D-rings
• Hanging wire

For great and heavy art

• French clamp / French cleat
• Mega Strap Hanging Sets for Mirrors, with adjustable J-hooks

• T-head screws made of stainless steel

For high -quality art and serious art exhibitions, these normal hanging devices may have to be upgraded a little to prevent theft and earthquake damage. We should be able to do without further explanations for use in our own four walls at this point. However, the following video shows a brief guide for the theft-proof suspension with T-head screws for interested parties:

4. Think about where you keep your works of art

An important consideration when protecting your works of art is at home, where you keep them. You should choose a place that is well protected and shielded against harmful factors such as direct sunlight, moisture and extreme temperatures.

Paintings should be hung on walls, for example, that have no direct sunlight in order to prevent fading or discolouration of the image. You should also ensure that your works of art will not come into contact with other objects that can cause scratches and damage.

Perhaps you would even like to think about buying special protective devices for your works of art . More and more museums, collectors and art connoisseurs opt for appropriate products to protect their collection.

5. How to protect your art from pests

If you have an art collection, you would like to keep your works of art safely and protected. Part of this protection is protection against pests. Insects or rodents can lead to serious damage to paintings, museum pieces or other works of art.

If you have any danger, you should find out about the latest methods and technologies for pest control . You can also contact art experts and curators of museums to learn more about the best protection practices.

6. The right type of cleaning and maintaining works of art

An important aspect when protecting your works of art at home is the right type of cleaning and care. If you clean works of art in the wrong way, this can lead to damage to the valuable works.

Experts recommend that you only use mild cleaning agents and that you never spray directly onto the painting or the sculpture .

Instead, you should apply the cleaning agent to a soft cloth and carefully remove the dirt without rubbing too much. Choosing the right cloth is also important - only use soft, lint -free materials and avoid paper products such as paper towels or kitchen roll.

To clean the glass or acrylic plate that protects your work of art, it is best to use a soft, non-abrasive cloth or a microfiber cloth . You should also think acrylic or ammonia-free glass cleaner

In addition, you should not clean works of art too often , as this can also be harmful. Another expert tip is to regularly remove dust from your works of art , especially if you keep it for a long time. However, also note that too frequent dust wiping can lead to scratches on the sensitive surface.

If you carefully maintain your works of art, you will make sure that you will remain in the best condition in the future.

7. How to protect your collection from mechanical damage

This is particularly important to ensure that the works of art are preserved for a long time. One of the most effective measures is matt films to the paintings. These protect the image from dust and humidity and at the same time prevent harmful effects of light and sunlight.

In addition, direct contact must be avoided and the works of art should be kept in a safe place that is protected from potential damage. Always avoid touching your paintings or acrylic frame surfaces directly without wearing cotton gloves Otherwise there is a risk that you will be damaged by contacting your fingerprints and natural fats.

Another important point is that it makes sense to think appropriate insurance for the collection In this way, financial security is also guaranteed in the event of theft or loss.

8. Avoid direct contact with suns (light)

We have already addressed this point. When it comes to storing works of art at home, protection against light is one of the most important aspects. Light, especially sunlight, can be extremely harmful to works of art. The UV rays can fade the colors and textures of paintings and affect the canvas or paper.

Even if this sounds obvious, many art lovers ignore the problem and set up their works of art where they come into their own. Without the right protection, a painting can lose its beauty within a few years and lose value.

A good rule of thumb is to never expose works of art direct sunlight or strong artificial light. One should also consider that diffuse light sources are more harmful than selective sources. Therefore, when hanging out works of art, you should make sure that they are placed as far away from windows as possible.

If possible, you can special filters for windows or cover windows to protect the works of art from harmful sunlight. A matt or tinted glass can also help protect the works of art and at the same time bring out their beauty. It should also be noted that different works of art can react differently to light.

What if you want to specifically hang the perfect picture in your winter garden?

If you do not want the sun to influence decisions about your interior , just make sure that your image is framed with UV-filtering acrylic instead of glass . It is actually lighter than glass and protects your works of art from bleaching or yellowing in direct sunlight.

These are just a few of the reasons why works of art of numerous galleries that actually require a glass frame are framed with a special UV acrylic plexiglass (see Park West Gallery ).

If you are unsure, it is important to consult experts like curators of museums or galleries in order to learn suitable protective measures for certain works of art. Overall, avoiding contact with light and sunlight is one of the most important steps that you can take to protect your works of art from damage and loss of value.

9. The protection of unamitable art

Do not leave your art in the role

If you don't want to hang your work of art yet, do not let it roll up in his protective cardboard tube.

Acrylic paints or decorated paintings can be stained in rolls, get cracks or dry out if they stay rolled up for too long.

Keep your stored works of art separately

If you keep several works of art, you always put something in between while the works of art are flat. Place a 2- or 4-layer lobe or a preserved passportout between the individual work, which is 5 cm larger than the work of art. This protects the work of art from acid damage, waves and possible wrinkles.

Keep art in a cool, dry and dark place

If you try to protect unfamiliar works of art, the known rules for the pantry apply.

The best way to avoid damage caused by sunlight, moisture and temperature fluctuations is to store your works of art in a cool, dry and dark place.

Consider a solar box

If you want to be sure that your art will remain protected, you should invest in a Solander box . These are acid -free pressure boxes with hinged front panels that can be purchased from preserving providers.

10. Protection measures against fire

a. Install smoke detectors and wait regularly

Make sure that smoke detectors are installed 30 meters from all works of art in the house. Make sure you have a heat computer or a smoke detector.

Heated people are usually installed in houses because they protect against fire, but not from the fact that chilled smoke penetrates into their house from a distant fire. Make sure that the fire protection of your house consists of a smoke detector and not of a heat compound.

b. Do not hang valuable art over a fireplace

If you keep your works of art directly over a fireplace, smoke and heat damage can occur. The same applies to ethanol furnaces or tiled stoves or wooden furnaces.

11. Ensure an adequate insurance of your collection

It is important not only to protect your works of art, but also to ensure that you financially secured . The insurance of your collection is an essential step to be protected against any damage or losses.

Burglars and unwanted damage from visitors can affect the pictures in their home as harmfully as moisture or pests. There are special insurance companies for works of art that can offer a comprehensive coverage for your collection.

If a painting is damaged or lost, the financial burden can be enormous without insurance. However, it is important to ensure that the selected insurance is tailored to the nature of your works of art.

Some insurance companies may not cover certain works of art. It is therefore important that you spend time researching different insurance companies and selecting the right package that best protects your collection. When you have taken out insurance, make sure that you regularly contact your provider to ensure that your insurance is up to date and your collection is fully protected.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza. Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www.kunstplaza.de/