Sunday, September 10, 2017

Conservation Tips That Minimize The Need For Art Restoration New Jersey Professionals Offer

By Timothy Taylor


If you collect artwork of any kind, there are specific ways of caring for it to ensure its integrity and condition. There are certain techniques curators and collectors use to make sure rare and valuable works do not deteriorate and do not suffer damage that could compromise the artist's original intentions and reduce the value of the piece. Good conservation techniques can minimize the need for the extensive art restoration New Jersey experts offer.

One of the most common mistakes restorers see, and one that is easy to avoid, is improper matting. Mat material should have a neutral or alkaline Ph content. The artwork should never to glued, taped, or otherwise mounted to the board. Mat burn occurs when mats, made of improper materials, are affixed to paper works, such as watercolors. Pieces that are not adequately protected from sunlight will fade. Too much light can also cause structural damage to the mat.

If you have to store art pieces, avoid basements and attics. Basements tend to be damp and can damage artworks beyond repair. In a wet atmosphere, they can get moldy and buckle. The mats may end up losing structural integrity in this kind of climate. Attics are often hot and dry. High temperatures can cause paper to contract and tear. A closet in the main area of the house is a better storage option.

Some of these same rules apply to oil and acrylic paintings. They should be kept from direct sunlight and, although they are not preserved behind glass, they should not be adhered to the frame in any way. Keeping a painting in the original frame is the best idea. Even if it doesn't exactly go with your room style, you might reduce the overall value of the work by replacing the frame. This is especially true when the frame was chosen by the artist.

Unless a painting is carefully hung, it can fall and be easily damaged. Torn canvas can be repaired, but it may be difficult and costly. A good framer will attach wire to the back of the frame with d-rings. Cheaper, standard frames may have string, twine, or metal pieces, on the backing, meant to keep the work on a wall. These do not work as well as wire.

Collectors of textiles know how easily they can be damaged if they are left in direct sunlight. Even with protective UV glass, harsh light will damage the work. It is best to hang textiles in rooms with low light. Storing them in wooden chests or cardboard boxes is a bad idea. Wood, of any kind, can stain them and cause irreparable damage.

If you collect free standing artwork, you are probably already aware that they are susceptible to being knocked over. A sturdy base will help correct this problem. You might also display these works in areas with enough room for them and family members to co-habit easily.

Art collectors usually know how to preserve their pieces. Sometimes they find great work they are willing to have restored however. Once that process is complete, conserving them for future generations can begin.




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