CARE GUIDELINES FOR YOUR ARTWORK
Thank you for adding a distinctive piece from Moné to your collection! Proper care will help preserve its beauty and maintain its condition for years to come. Below are essential guidelines to ensure the longevity of your artwork.
Handling: Always handle your artwork with clean, dry hands or wear cotton gloves. Avoid touching delicate surfaces such as painted areas or fragile extensions.
Placement: Keep artwork away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Avoid displaying near fireplaces, radiators, air conditioners, or in bathrooms and kitchens.
Environment: Maintain a stable environment with moderate temperature and humidity levels. Use UV-filtering glass or curtains to protect against light exposure.
Dusting: Gently dust the painting’s surface with a soft, natural-hair brush (such as a sable or artist’s brush). Hold the painting at a slight angle so dust falls away, and brush in one direction to avoid pushing dust deeper into the surface. Avoid using feather dusters or cloths, as they can snag on textured paint or leave fibers behind. Never use cleaning sprays or liquids on the surface.
Framing: Ensure your painting is professionally framed with acid-free backing materials. Frames protect the artwork and provide structural support.
Humidity and Heat: Paintings should not be placed in areas with high moisture or heat levels, which can cause paint to crack or warp. Use dehumidifiers or humidifiers in extreme climates to maintain stability.
Inspection: Periodically check for signs of damage, such as flaking paint, discoloration, or loose varnish. If issues arise, avoid attempting DIY fixes and consult a professional conservator.
Resin and mixed-media artworks are beautiful, dynamic, and unique, but they require specific care to preserve their appearance and longevity. Please read the following guidelines carefully to ensure your artwork remains in optimal condition.
Colour & Material Changes Over Time:
- Resin and some mixed-media materials will naturally yellow or shift in colour over time. This process is accelerated by exposure to UV light.
- Certain pigments, inks, or inclusions (metallic leaf, dried flowers, textured mediums) may also change subtly as the materials age. This is a normal part of the medium’s evolution.
Environment & Display:
- Avoid placing resin or mixed-media artworks in direct sunlight or near sources of heat or cooling, as temperature fluctuations, excessive light, or prolonged heat exposure can accelerate yellowing and cause the piece to warp, crack, or delaminate. Maintain moderate humidity levels, as high moisture or extreme dryness can also affect the stability of resin and mixed-media elements.
Long-Term Maintenance:
- Handle minimally and with care to preserve the integrity of layered materials.
Important Note:
Resin and mixed-media works are living materials in a sense, they will subtly change over time. These natural evolutions are part of what makes each piece unique, and collectors should expect and embrace these characteristics.
Handling: Support sculptures by their base or structurally sound parts. Never lift them by delicate or protruding elements, as they can break under pressure.
Cleaning: Dust sculptures regularly using a microfiber cloth or soft brush. For materials like bronze or marble, avoid using cleaning agents unless advised by a professional. Use only dry methods unless otherwise specified by a conservator.
Placement: Display sculptures on stable, secure surfaces away from high-traffic areas where they could be bumped or knocked over. Consider using museum wax or similar adhesives for small, delicate pieces to add extra stability.
Framing: Always frame prints using UV-protective glass or acrylic and acid-free, museum-grade materials. This prevents fading, yellowing, and environmental damage.
Avoid Sunlight: Prints and works on paper are particularly sensitive to light exposure, which can cause irreversible fading. Display them in low-light conditions or away from windows.
Storage: For unframed prints, store them flat in a dry, clean environment, using acid-free tissue or paper to separate each piece. Never roll or fold prints unless absolutely necessary. If rolled, store them in a protective tube with acid-free materials and unroll carefully when needed.
Inspection: Regularly check for signs of discoloration, warping, or foxing (brown spots caused by humidity). If noticed, consult a professional for advice on restoration or preservation.
If your artwork shows signs of wear, damage, or discoloration, consult a professional conservator for advice. Regular maintenance and timely intervention can preserve the integrity of your collection.
Thank you for taking these steps to care for your artwork! Each piece is a lasting testament to creativity and craftsmanship, and your care ensures it remains a valued treasure for generations.