Artwork Care & Conservation

Your artwork is designed to last a lifetime and with the right care, it can be enjoyed and preserved for generations.
At Knutsford Art Gallery, we want every collector to feel confident about caring for their piece, whether it’s an original painting, a fine art print, or a hand-painted object.

Caring for Original Paintings

Original paintings require careful handling and placement to maintain their condition.

We recommend:
✔ Hanging away from direct sunlight
✔ Avoiding damp rooms (bathrooms, kitchens without ventilation)
✔ Dusting gently with a clean, dry microfibre cloth
✔ Never using cleaning sprays or water on the surface
✔ Ensuring the artwork is hung securely using quality hardware

For highly textured or mixed-media pieces, dusting should be done with very light strokes or a soft artist’s brush to avoid disturbing the surface.

Caring for Limited Edition Prints

Fine art prints especially giclée and archival editions benefit from:

✔ UV-protective glazing when framed
✔ Acid-free, conservation-grade mounts
✔ Avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
✔ Never touching the print surface with bare hands
✔ Regular dusting of the frame only (not the print surface)

When framed correctly, limited editions maintain their colour and detail beautifully over time.

Caring for Hand-Painted Saws & Unique Objects

For collectible painted items (saws, tools, or mixed-media objects):

✔ Handle carefully by the edges or non-painted areas
✔ Display indoors, away from moisture and extreme temperature changes
✔ Dust with a soft, dry cloth only
✔ Avoid placing in areas with heavy humidity (e.g., bathrooms)
✔ Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve colour vibrancy

These bespoke pieces are sealed but should still be treated like fine art.

Humidity, Temperature & Environment

Fine art thrives in stable environments.

For all artworks:
✔ Keep away from radiators, fires, or heat sources
✔ Avoid hanging on exterior cavity walls prone to damp
✔ Maintain a moderate room temperature
✔ Avoid basements, lofts, or outdoor storage

Consistency is key to maintaining the integrity of your artwork.

Hanging & Display

When hanging your artwork:
✔ Use appropriate wall fixings for your wall type
✔ Avoid hanging heavy pieces using simple nails
✔ Use two hooks where possible to prevent tilting
✔ Ensure the wall is stable, dry, and clean

If you need help choosing the right fixings, we can advise or recommend a professional installer.

Cleaning Frames

Frames can be gently cleaned using:

For wooden frames:
✔ A dry or slightly damp microfibre cloth
✔ Never use polish or chemical cleaners

For metal frames:
✔ A soft, dry cloth
✔ A tiny amount of glass cleaner only if needed (never touch the artwork)

For glazing (glass or acrylic):
✔ Use a soft, clean cloth
✔ Avoid spraying directly onto the surface
✔ Spray onto the cloth first

This prevents liquid running under the glazing and damaging the artwork.

Long-Term Conservation

For collectors of high-value originals or long-term investment pieces, we recommend:

✔ Avoiding direct UV exposure
✔ Ensuring stable humidity
✔ Reframing every 10–15 years if needed
✔ Using a professional conservator for any repairs
✔ Keeping authentication documents stored safely

We can also recommend trusted conservators if required.

Questions About Caring for Your Artwork?

We’re always happy to offer personalised advice tailored to the specific material, medium, and finish of your piece.

Your artwork is an investment and we’re here to help you protect it.