Tag Archive for: art installation

How to take care of your new art like a pro

Acquiring new art, whether it’s a custom piece sourced by Concepts in Art, or a timeless work crafted with your
toddler’s finest crayons, is an incredibly exciting time. But there’s a lot that goes into ensuring the life of your
new investment is long, so professional art consultant Jenny Gaffney has outlined a few tips and tricks that will keep your art looking like new.


1) Proper handling
Handling art with clean hands is crucial to avoid transferring oils, dirt, and fingerprints onto the surface; for
more delicate pieces, you might want to consider wearing cotton gloves. If you don’t want to invest in gloves,
throwing a blanket or towel over the piece may work fine. Additionally, whenever you’re moving art, always
support the piece from the underneath rather than lifting it by the frame or edges. Lifting from the bottom
almost guarantees the work won’t slip out of your grip and minimizes any damage the pressure from your fingers
may cause.


2) Appropriate display
The location where you display your art can significantly impact its longevity. Of course, if you’re working with
a professional art installer like Concepts in Art, this will be handled, but if you’re riding solo there are a few
things to keep in mind. Avoid hanging art in direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause colors to fade over time.
Instead, choose a spot with indirect light and consider using UV-protective glass or acrylic when framing to
minimize exposure. Also, keep art away from heat sources like radiators or fireplaces, which can cause warping
and other damage due to temperature fluctuations.


3) Controlled environment
Speaking of temperature fluctuation, it’s important to choose a room that has very few, if any, large temperature
swings. Maintaining a stable environment is key to preserving art, so aim for a consistent temperature (between
65-75°F or 18-24°C) and humidity level (between 40-50%). Excessive humidity can lead to mold growth, while
low humidity can cause materials to dry out and become brittle, so employ humidifiers or dehumidifiers as
needed to maintain an optimal environment.


4) Light cleaning
Dust and dirt can accumulate on art over time, so regular – but light handed – cleaning is necessary. For framed
paintings and sculptures, use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently remove any dust. Always avoid using
cleaning agents or water directly on the artwork, as the chemicals can cause irreversible damage. For
unframed or delicate pieces, consult a professional conservator for cleaning advice.

Installing new art is exciting, but there are several best practices new owners should use in order to protect its
integrity. If you’re unsure, be sure to reach out to Concepts in Art or another professional service for advice.

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Three Tips to Properly Hang Art

How hard can hanging art really be? 

Actually, it’s pretty technical. 

Properly installed art requires a tad more than a few nails, a hammer, and a “Looks even to me!”. For those brave DIY souls bypassing the expertise of a professional art installation service, Concepts in Art Owner Jenny Gaffney outlined her top tips for hanging art like a pro. 

  1. Make sure the center of your picture is at eye level. 

The last time you went to an art museum did you have to strain to see the art, or was it laid out in a comfortable location your eyes could easily access?

The most common mistake people can make when choosing to hang their own art is that they pick a position that is far too high up on the wall. Hanging art too high makes for an awkward location beyond a person’s natural gaze and interrupts the room’s overall aesthetic. Positioning your wall art at eye level generally means the midpoint of the picture is approximately 60 inches from the floor. 

Bringing the art to eye level makes the art much easier to appreciate and gives the room a sense of cohesion by eliminating any awkward wall space from the floor to the art. So break out that measuring tape – it’s worth it!

  1. You’ll have to become a bit of a mathematician. 

It’s often underestimated how much math is involved in hanging art, but it’s true that measuring tape isn’t the only piece of equipment you’ll need. A calculator is a must to achieve proper sizing and spacing. 

Depending on how many pieces of art you’re planning to hang, and the sizes of those pieces and any furniture located underneath the art, there are a LOT of ratios to take into consideration when hanging a piece of art in any area – especially a high-traffic one. You want people to focus on the gorgeous art you have hanging, not that it’s a little too big (or small) for where it’s hung. 

It can be overwhelming, but it all comes down to the details. Taking the time to figure out the math will pay off in the long run to ensure your picture is hung correctly!

  1. Make sure your picture is level!

This seems intuitive (especially if you’re taking the time to do all of the other calculations), but it’s not surprising to see people skip this step. After spending so much time and effort determining everything else, it’s not uncommon for folks to just eyeball the orientation of the art for the sake of ending the process. 

It’s true that people don’t notice things done right, but always notice something that’s a little off; nobody notices art that’s level, but everyone will notice something that’s crooked. While we’re sure your friend has excellent eyesight, your smartphone has a level app that will work even better – we promise! 

Remember, art is an investment that you want people to appreciate when they step into your space. While the process is highly technical (and a real patience tester), the end result – beautifully hung art that ties the room’s aesthetic together  – is always worth it. Whether you’re taking the process on yourself or employing the help of a professional service like Concepts in Art, these guidelines are the foundation of a properly executed installation that should be present in every room. 

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