End Result Will Be Guaranteed Value

     Everybody knows something is worth a lot more if it's not damaged.  Antique or vintage pieces gain their value from passing time.  The very thing that gives them value (time) can also be the very thing that takes all that value away.  Follow these tips to ensure the utmost value in your valuables is recognized.

     I'm always amazed at how much an oil painting is worth.  The appraiser almost always provides an increased estimate if the painting is restored.  This is done, for a fee, of course.  I'm glad there are restorers out there if needed.  But, I think I would be much happier, keeping the fee, and not needing this service.  To accomplish this all I need to do is ...

...leave the surface open to the air when framing an oil painting.  Covering it with glass traps moisture next to the artwork.

...place it in a spot that's cool and away form direct heat or light when hanging.  Watch out for radiators and fireplaces.  Fluorescent lights also cause fading.

...hang pictures with a slight forward tilt.  This will reduce the amount of dust that will settle on the surface and lets air circulate behind the artwork.  Condensation is the enemy! 

...roll an oil painting on canvas to store it with the image facing out.  Paint can withstand being expanded because it is supple.  It will crumble and flake if compressed.  Roll it around acid free paper then roll it again in plain brown Kraft paper.  You can tuck the Kraft paper in but don't seal the ends because air needs to circulate in and  around the painting.

...when cleaning the frame, spray a common household cleaner onto a soft cloth and then wipe the frame.  Keep from spraying the cleaner directly on the frame because some of the spray will most likely get on the painting.  Even if your picture has protective glass, there is a risk of the spray getting behind that glass and damaging the picture.

...clean gilded picture frames with a dry feather duster.  Liquid cleaners will dissolve the base coat on a gilded frame

...use mat boards that are "acid-free" or "museum quality" when framing a watercolor or print.  Glass is important for keeping dust away, but the glass also creates a static charge that lifts ink, pastels and charcoal right off the paper.

...store matted prints and watercolors in a low-humidity environment when they are not hanging on the wall.  Store prints flat in a portfolio, never rolled.