Important Key Points


Whenever you need any valuable art restored, always remember the following important keynotes which any restorer must posses:

  • The techniques of a craftsman with proper knowledge and access to the latest and most effective and scientific treatments.
  • The training to use those techniques and execute a flawless restoration.
  • Use of quality materials for scientific treatment for perfection of the objects and future security measures.
  • Trust of knowing that your Art is in the hands of respected and experienced conservators.

Preservation Tips - DO’S & DON’Ts


DO’S

  • Paintings should ideally be displayed in temp. 16 to 25 degrees centigrade, 50 to 55 % relative humidity. Call us for specialised consultation.
  • Regular dusting of painting with a soft cloth or a soft brush.
  • Paintings to be taken out from the wall periodically to clean the back of the paintings.
  • The glass and the paint surface should be separated by mount board. For packing put strips of tape.
  • If you notice some fluffy spots, which appear white, green or grey in colour it is almost certain that the painting is affected by fungus. The paintings should immediately be segregated from other paintings. When fungus attack is detected early the treatment is simple and is best if taken to a professional art restorer.
  • Use of Dehumidifiers, Air conditioner round the clock , in the storage and Display.
  • Use good quality, acid free, less fungus attractive tapes, papers and mount board during framing of the painting.
  • Always wear clean white cotton gloves, while handling art objects.

DON’T’S

  • Do not dust, if the painting is flaking.
  • Do not hang a painting on a damp wall or store your paintings in a dark unventilated room as dampness activates fungus growth.
  • Do not hang a painting under air conditioners or in front of coolers.
  • Do not keep your painting hanging on the wall, when your house is being painted.
  • Do not keep doors, windows, and outside vents open unnecessarily, especially during rainy seasons.
  • Do not store art objects in a room where there is a history/possibility of termite attack.
  • Do not use adhesive tapes to cover the back of any painting with a board backing.
  • Don’t take an art object out of / into an air conditioned room. Switch off air conditioners and let the temperature of the room to come to normal level (outdoor shade condition) and then shift art objects.

Tips on handling and storage:


  • Use appropriate pollution filters in your HVAC system.
  • Cover paintings in storage.
  • Always wear clean white cotton gloves, while handling art objects.
  • Improper storage of paintings can be a catalyst for deterioration. Consider the elements that affect a painting in storage.
  • Control the agents of deterioration.
  • Choose appropriate storage space and equipment.
  • Always store paintings vertically, without any side pressure.
  • The key to preserving paintings is maintaining stable temperature and Relative Humidity (RH) levels. You must avoid extreme fluctuations in RH and temperature. If you change a painting’s environment, do it gradually.
  • Store paintings at temperatures between 18º to 24º C (64º and 75º F) Temperature is less important for paintings than RH, but sudden temperature changes can harm paintings.
  • Maintain a RH of 40% to 55%. Low RH levels (under 35%) can embrittle all parts of a painting and encourage cracks and losses. High RH levels (over 65%) encourage mold growth. Decide on a “set point," and keep temperature and RH as close to this point as possible.
  • For many situations 50 Lux is enough light to view a painting. In cases where higher illumination is needed, don't allow incident light levels to go above 200 Lux, but this should only for short duration, like in exhibitions or during special occasions.