Sienna Visions

Protecting Your Art Collection

There are several things you can do to protect and preserve your collectible art.

Store it Carefully Until It Is Framed - Store prints flat between acid-free protective sheets, such as acid-free foamboard when possible. If you must roll the artwork, do so loosely and never use rubber bands. Keep the art out of areas subject to swings in temperature and/or humidity

Frame it Properly - Insist that your frame use acid-free backing, mat boards and adhesives. Do not have your artwork mounted using adhesives if it is anything more than an inexpensive decorative piece of art. Adhesives degrade over time and will damage the art in the long run. A good framer will use techniques that can be removed without altering or damaging the art. Some forms of artwork are sensitive to sunlight and florescent light. Consider the type of art and the location it will hang. It is often worthwhile to upgrade to a glass that blocks UV rays.

Hang it Securely - Picture hooks are rated for the amount of weight they will hold. Select a hook that holds more than your artwork weighs. Consider the type of wall the hook will be installed in and the weight of the art. If in doubt, there are metal cleats that can be used on the art and wall to securely hold heavy art or mirrors. If the frame is wider than 30 inches, it is better to support it with two hooks 12" or more apart than to use a single hook. There's a bit of physics involved, so trust me on this. Avoid hanging things over doors or on stairway walls where they could be dislodged or fall upon someone's head. In those applications, ask for security hangers instead of traditional hook and wire. Consider upgrading to acrylic glazing on artwork for children's rooms to prevent dangerous situations should the glass be broken by flying objects.

Insure It - Make sure you have a special fine arts rider for your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. Include the cost of framing in your valuations of the work. Create an inventory list of your collectible art and review it every 3-5 years to keep values current. The cost of framing alone increases about 5% each year. Art by particular artists may appreciate over time for a variety of reasons. You can often use the Internet to check on current prices for pieces by popular artists, or ask your framer for advice on how best to update your valuations. Your insurance agent can help you select the best coverage options for your needs.

Maintain It - Periodically check the hanging hardware on your art. Mats may fade or discolor over time and need replacement. Clean the glass by spraying an ammonia-free clean on the cloth and then wiping gently to remove dust and filmy buildup. Acrylic glazing scratches easily, so use a clean, soft cloth and an ammonia-free cleaner. Frames can be dusted with a soft, dry cloth. If the glass breaks, carefully remove the loose pieces. Put a piece of tape across the broken sections and carefully transport it to you framer so that the sharp edges don't scratch the artwork.

PO Box 2926, Plainfield, NJ 07062-2926 ~ 908.757.7712 ~ CydAdams@SiennaVisions.com