Risk Management for Art Collections - Protect Your Oil Paintings Against Damage By Laura Kadi, Art Conservation Intern, Guest Blogger

Of all the things that can happen to a painting on canvas, a rip is by far the most distressing. Sometimes its carelessness in storage or in transit… and sometimes its something random like your beautiful painting is in reach of your bipolar child with scissors who cuts up your art like this painting below.

Or sometimes, an angry and vengeful lover attacks a painting with a knife in the heat of “the moment.”

There are a few tips for you to consider to prevent the normal circumstances when a rip of your artwork could occur, whether it be by accident or on purpose.

Hang a Framed Item SafelyWhen hanging a painting from a wall, one needs to make sure everything is set and strong. You don’t want paintings falling from earthquakes or being knocked over by kids playing tag. Not only can the painting get damaged by the fall, but if your wires aren’t properly placed, they can tear the painting as well! Here are some things to remember when hanging a painting from a wall:-Quality and large eye hangers that hold the wire.-Thick wire, preferable plastic coated-Nail in wall hits a stud. If not, use a multi nail hanger made for drywall.-Use the largest hanger possible on everything… even if the framed item is small-Use Museum Wax in the lower two corners to anchor the painting against the wall and so it won’t “jump” off the hook when things start to shake.Click here for a short video

Art Shipping PrecautionsShipping is always scary because you’re leaving your precious art in the hands of another person/company and out of your control. To make sure your art is safe from being ripped during any rough handling, take these precautions: Wrap the piece with plastic sheeting, then bubble-wrap, then add one piece of card board on each side front & back, then double-boxed. Remember to never let the tape used during packing touch the artwork or the frame. Consider that insurance and an experienced or more careful mail carrier may bring you greater peace of mind.  An art transport truck could be reliable too if there are multiples or over-sized pieces.

Simple Precautions in Storage of PaintingsYou would be surprised at how much good and how much benefit is attained by a stack of cardboard sheeting to interleaf between artwork in storage. Another tip is to put your artwork (sitting on the ground) up on blocks in case of water and spills. One more suggestion is to avoid extremes in cold and heat; so attics, sheds and basements are not appropriate for storing works of art.

Dings and dents in an unprotected painting during storage. These types of damage turn into cracking patterns that disfigure the painting, add to restoration costs and reduce the value.

These are just a few tips you can take to prevent any damage including rips of your artwork. To learn more about how you can protect your valuable items at home, follow us on Facebook. Click here.