Cleaning and Caring for Artwork
Care and Cleaning of Artwork:
About my Artworks:
My “relics” are built from wood. Some of the surfaces are solid wood, typically poplar or alder. The back panels are usually Baltic birch plywood. If the “frame” area of the piece looks like distressed metal, then the surface is HDF (High Density Fiberboard). Typical woodworking glue and assembly and techniques are used in the construction of each piece. The are designed and built to be collectible and last indefinitely under the proper conditions.
Display:
Each wooden work is prepped and painted with acrylic paint. Whether the surface is matte or glossy, it has been clear coated with a UV protective layer. With this said, it is best to display my work, or any artwork for that matter out of direct sunlight that could fade all or part of it. I use premium paint and supplies.
Artworks should be displayed in a stable environment with consistent temperatures and humidity. Most homes should be fine, but a bathroom with a shower would be an issue. Placing a work near a heater vent could cause undo stress. An area that changes from cold to hot over the course of a year could be an issue as well. Wood does contact and expand with the humidity.
Cleaning:
My pieces are of course dimensional and thus have all sorts of nooks and crannies that can trap dust. While small details such as animals legs and fins are reinforced, special care should be taken not to damage any of the details while cleaning. Snagging a point of an element is a concern.
Tools needed:
A soft paint brush such as a watercolor mop. The bristles should be more like fur than “bristles”.
Compressed Air which can be from a compressor, canned air -
or a blower brush
DO NOT USE ANY COMMERCIAL DUSTING SUPPLIES LIKE SWIFTER DUSTERS OR CLOTHS THAT COULD SNAG DETAILS LIKE FISH FINS OR CRAB LEGS.
To Clean:
Gently brush away any debris from the piece with the brush. If needed use the compressed air to get to any areas behind the interior areas. This can be done with the piece hanging on the wall, or removed. A light blast should be sufficient enough. Test your device beforehand so blast it too hard. Probably from around 12” away should work well.
A photography blower brush accomplishes both the brush and air requirement.
Your artwork should last for generations if you routinely clean and care for it.
