What To Do After Receiving Your Oil Painting
Once your painting has been shipped to you and is in your possession (yay!), you now have to make decisions of what you would like to do with your new piece of art. If you're a first time owner of an oil painting, you might not know exactly what’s considered proper. Like: How do I hang it on the wall? How do I protect the surface of an oil painting?
Here are some painting care tips that will help you navigate what to do with your newly acquired oil painting! Later on in time I will add additional blog posts that will go more in depth on these topics.
First you will want to consider finding a frame. There are many possibilities and a frame may enhance the look of your painting. There is no need to frame an oil painting under glass. In fact, it’s best you don’t so the painting can “breathe” and fully cure. I recommend going to your local framing store for expert advise and quality frames.
Next you’ll have to decide where to hang the painting. It’s best to put the painting somewhere cool and away from high moisture. Over time heat and humidity can cause the paint to crack and flake. Hanging the painting on walls with direct sunlight can also be a problem since the UV radiation from the sun will cause color to fade over time. If you have a very sunny home, don’t be discouraged! There’s something that can help…
Varnish! Varnish your painting about 6 months after completion for protection against dirt, dust, smoke, and that pesky UV light (see I told you it would be ok). Varnish will also even out the paintings final appearance by making the surface either all glossy, all satin, or all matte. I recommend a satin varnish, which is in between glossy and matte (glossy enough to bring back the richness of the colors, but not too shiny that you can’t see the image from certain angles). If you live around Austin, TX I can varnish your painting! Otherwise try contacting your local frame shop or art restorationist and see if they can varnish the painting for you.
Lastly, enjoy your painting! Place in an area for all to see and remember just how special and amazing your pet is.