All art is vulnerable to discoloration, fading and structural damage by environmental factors, but paintings, prints or photographs that are left hanging unattended for long periods are at greater risk, because there s nobody around to notice the damage and take steps to stop it before it s too late. Fortunately, a few simple, common-sense precautions can keep your prized art safe and sound and protect you from unpleasant surprises.
Light is one of the deadliest enemies of paintings, prints and photographs.
The ultraviolet rays present in all light artificial as well as natural will fade colors and make paper become brownish and brittle. The intense sunlight that we enjoy here in the high desert is especially hard on art works. One obvious answer is to take your paintings, prints and photographs off the walls each time you leave your second home and store them in a dark place until you return. But a far more convenient solution is to have a qualified professional reframe them under special glass that screens out nearly all UV rays. While reframing your art works, a good professional framer also will make sure that the mats and any other materials that come into contact with them are acid-free.