My 5 tips for caring for oil paintings...

When you invest in original art, you want to take care of it, and ensures it stays as vibrant as the day you bought it.

Here's my 5 top tips for maximising the longevity of your art collection...

1. Try to avoid placing your painting where it will be in full sunlight for extended periods... I, like most professional artists, choose paint which are the most permament and lightfast, but this doesn't mean or won't fade in full light. OK, I'm talking years and years here (cheap, fugitive paint will start to fade in a year even if it's kept in a dark box), but the single most important thing you can do to keep your oil paintings as vibrant and fresh as possible is to keep them out of direct sunlight (a few hours a day as the sun moves across the room is fine - you don't have to take down all your paintings from 2 to 4 pm, for example!). I'm really keen on ensuring my paintings remain as vibrant as possible as this is a key feature of my art!

which leads me on to the next point...

2. Did you know that oil paintings can dull when their in the dark for a while, but can brighten up again when put in airy light?... yes, when paintings have been stored in my studio for a while, then packaged for shipping, they may look a bit dull, but will soon be restored to their full glory when they've been out of the dark for a couple of weeks.

So, basically, oil paintings like a bit of light (modern artificial light works too!) to keep them nice and bright, but not too much direct sunshine!

3. Varnish to protect... some artists don't use varnish as it can alter the finish and many varnishes require the painting to have dried for 6-12 months before application. There are varnishes labelled 'retouching varnish' out there which can be used when the paint is touch dry (about 2 weeks), but I have never found one that doesn't leave a glossy finish, which I don't really like. It it is also recommended that retouching varnish is not left on long term but needs to be removed and a permanent varnish applied. HOWEVER, I have found the perfect solution to all this. I use a single layer Gamblin Gamvar Matte on all my paintings. As the name says, it has a matte finish which dries completely invisible, meaning no glare, and making the most of the natural finish of oil paint, it can be applied as soon as the painting is touch dry and it can stay on indefinitely, protecting your painting. It's important to know what vanishing, of any, your oil paintings have because they do need protecting from, environmental factors, and if they ever need restoring its helpful to know exactly what products were used. You can find out more about Gamblin varnishes HERE

4. Only clean using a dry soft cloth... don't use any sprays, cleaning products etc. These can adversely react with the varnish and over time build up layers dulling the painting. A regular wipe other with a lint-free cloth once a week or so will keep them nice and fresh looking!

5. Use professionals to restore paintings... I've not been alive long enough yet for my own paintings to have aged ;-) but maybe you have older paintings that have seen better days, maybe cracking and unevenness is happening? Older varnishes weren't as good as they are now, and may be in need of a removal and a fresh layer. Well if any of this applies to paintings in your collection then please don't be tempted to rectify it yourself unless you're experienced in these things. Leave it to a professional restorer - you're local framers should usually be able to recommend one.

So, that's the main things that will help keep your paintings in tip top condition and give you joy on your walls for generations to come!