priceless Picasso is not the only type of art with inherent value. Art is very subjective and personal, thus even your child’s school art project can be considered priceless because of sentimental value and because it is irreplaceable. One thing is certain with all art—if you want to preserve its condition and value, it must be handled properly.
An absolute must when handling art is that your hands must be clean and free of any lotions or oils. It is imperative that you wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching any form of art. This is especially true of art on paper, as the oils from your hands are immediately absorbed by the fibers of the medium.

Do not touch the image area of your art. Pick up art by the outside edges, and always hold art by two corners or sides at a time. When you attempt to lift art using just one hand, you risk tearing or creasing the medium. Creases and folds can never be removed once they have marred the surface of the art.

Store art flat in acid-free folders or between sheets of acid-free foam core. You can obtain these products at any custom frame shop. If possible, do not roll art. It is essential that you not attempt to flatten your art by rolling it in the opposite direction; this often causes the surface of the art to develop small creases. If you have art that is stored in a tube, be very careful when removing it. Before removing, roll the art more tightly and then slide it evenly out of the tube being careful not to catch the edges.

If your art has any damage, that is, marks, tears, creases, scratches… STOP! Do not attempt to fix the damage yourself. Consult with an art conservator or talk to your nearest custom frame shop. We at Hall of Frames can repair some types of damage, and we can recommend local conservators who are able to repair more serious problems. Once art has been damaged, it is difficult to return it to its original condition; however, it is best to leave repairs to the specialists. If your art has value to you, it is worth the cost of repair to have it preserved.

The best way to ensure your art is handled properly is to take it to a custom frame shop. Archival framing can preserve your art for this and future generations.