How To Care For A Photograph On Museum Quality Stretched Archival Canvas
Owning a unique brown pelican photograph on canvas by Jonathan Biermann is quite special
As one of the most captivating mediums, a photograph on canvas has the striking ability to become the centerpiece of any wall. However, without proper care, the quality and integrity of the piece can diminish over time. When you've invested in a stretched canvas photograph, dedicating some time and effort to its care is essential for preserving its pristine condition and ensuring its longevity. In this guide, we'll share expert tips on handling and maintaining your canvas photograph, helping it stand the test of time and continue to shine as a focal point in your space.
Handling Your Artwork:
Wash And Dry Hands: Always wash and thoroughly dry your hands before handling the canvas to avoid transferring oils, dirt or moisture. Avoid unnecessary handling to prevent accidental damage.
Wear Gloves: For added protection, wear clean cotton gloves to minimize direct contact with the artwork.
Support The Frame: Hold the canvas by its frame or stretcher bars to prevent accidental pressure or dents on the canvas surface.
Avoid Sharpe Objects: Keep sharp objects, jewelry, or anything abrasive away from the canvas to prevent scratches or punctures.
Hang Your Artwork In The Right Place:
Avoid Direct Sunlight: As a general guideline, you should hang your artwork indoors, away from the rain and direct sunlight. Exposure to water will cause the quality of your rolled canvas or stretched canvas(s) to deteriorate, and placing it under direct sunlight will cause the colors to fade over time due to UV rays. Should you need to light up your stretched archival canvas do so with soft LED lights as they produce close to no UV.
Stable Humidity: If you are not displaying the canvas artwork, proper storage is crucial. Avoid storing it in basements, attics, or garages where temperature and humidity levels fluctuate. Instead, find a cool, dry area with stable conditions. The ideal temperature for storing cvanvas artwork is between 65-75 degrees.
Understanding Floater Frames and Their Benefits: Floater frames are designed to create the illusion that the artwork is "floating" within the frame. Unlike traditional frames that cover the edges of the canvas, floater frames leave a gap around the edges, allowing the entire canvas to be visible. This type of frame is popular for modern art and photography because it adds depth, style, and sophistication. ​​
How To Properly Store Your Photograph On Stretched Archival Canvas:
Don't Wrap Canvases Together: It might seem like a handy way to save time and use less packing materials but wrapping more than one canvas together can cause scratches or damage, as they can move around with the packaging.
Wrap Canvas Artwork Securely: It's crucial to remember always to cover your canvases with a thin cloth if you need to pack them. This prevents any dust, dirt, and cobwebs from getting on them and spoiling them over time.
Use Acid-Free Paper: It's important to use acid-free paper to wrap your artwork, as even small amounts of acid can damage your artwork over long periods. Acid-free archival paper can be picked up from your local art supply or framing store.