When it comes to artworks, no other form matches the exclusivity, the charm, the elegance, and the vivacious appearing oil paintings.

Oil paints came to the origin in the 14^th century but oil paintings became prevalent in the late 16^th century.

If you want to look at the world’s most valuable paintings, oil pieces dominate the top-10 list comfortably.

Apparently, oil artworks are expensive and so as an art lover, you should know the best tricks that could preserve these pieces.

Let’s see how these superlative oil paintings on canvas and other mediums can be kept safe from external factors:

Dusting is important

Purchasing a painting is a sacred experience. When you get your hands on an art piece you desire, the feeling is just incomparable.

So, keeping your artwork safe is your responsibility. To begin with, the utilization of natural-hair artists brush or Japanese brush for dusting can do the trick.

Keep dusting the painting in the back and forth motion unless the painting is disinfected completely.

If the painting is chipping or cracking, it is not recommended to do the dusting. Also, avoid using conventional feather dusters, water, sprays, or any cleaning material that may react with the paint.

Preserve it with care

Always ensure to keep your paintings in a dry room. If that’s not the case, wrap up your artwork in tissue paper.

This avoids the moisture to emerge on the artwork that ultimately affects the texture of the painting.

Keep the artwork where there is proper air circulation and there is zero probability of bugs, animals, and dust.

Look for external hand

If the painting suffers:

• Damage
• Cracking
• Peeling
• Flaking

You can always hire a professional. There are several diligent paintings conservators that hold immense experience in preserving and restoring the artwork without impacting its originality.

These experts also offer tips that are useful in maintaining the longevity of your art piece without compromising on its blissfulness and charm.

Varnish-consult-repeat

Being an art collector or an art zealot, you must be familiar with varnish. Varnishing is a process to safeguard oil paintings on canvas by locking out the dust and dirt.

However, with time, your painting may demand re-varnishing. Always consult an art professional or a painting conservator before you start re-varnishing your artwork.

Also, when re-varnishing, make sure to utilize a flat brush and implement the varnish from the top all the way down in a zig-zag pattern.

Always use a flat surface to keep the painting down and re-varnish. Applying the varnish vertically isn’t advisable.

While re-varnishing it is important to cover the overall artwork. Use a dust-free and warm place to dry the varnish.

Miscellaneous tips

Some other recommendations are:

• Always take care of one painting at one time. Do not hurry while cleaning or dusting an artwork.
• Ensure to hold the artwork by a frame if you require to move it.
• Do not wear accessories like jewellery, bracelet or any such things that could scratch the painting.
• If the frame is not placed properly, ensure to fix it.

Tags: oil paintings, oil paintings on canvas