Tips for Custom Portrait Longevity and Preservation
Pick the Right Spot to Hang
You might think that your Rick and Morty custom portrait deserves to go in the most prominent spot in your home. Don’t just think about enhancing the aesthetic appeal. Keeping preservation in mind, choosing a spot is crucial to protect your artwork. The ideal spots for hanging a portrait include:
- Above the console table in your living room
- Hallway, especially for small portraits
- Home office
- Above the dresser or headboard in your bedroom
- Entryway
Important Considerations
Lighting
Direct sunlight can be a silent killer for your artwork. UV rays break the chemical bonds of color molecules, leading to fading and deterioration over time. It's a risk you can easily avoid by keeping your portrait out of direct sunlight.
Humidity and Temperature
Maintain stable humidity and temperature levels. Avoid placing the portrait near kitchens, heating vents, windows, or other areas where moisture and temperature fluctuations occur. Use a dehumidifier. Reduce dust in the air using an air purifier.
Wall Material
Don’t hang on a damp or unsealed wall. A drywall or plaster is most suitable.
Height
Keep it out of reach of kids and pets.
Get Glass or Acrylic Protection
Acrylic or glass protection is essential for artwork preservation and longevity. It’s a protective coating that enhances the aesthetics appeal and also acts as a barrier against damages for longer periods. Glass, especially UV-filtering glass, offers classic look and excellent clarity. Glass maintains integrity and vibrancy of the portrait, reduces glare and makes the artwork more visually appealing. As it is a brittle material, glass is prone to cracks and breakage when subjected to impact or mishandling. So, handle it with care.
Acrylic is a lightweight material with excellent shatter-resistant properties. It is a perfect protection when you have kids or pets. Acrylic provides UV protection and it is also much easier to clean than glass. All you need is a soft, damp cloth. A well-sealed frame safeguards the artwork from moisture and dust.
Be Gentle When Dusting
Dust accumulation over time dulls the vibrancy of your Rick and Morty custom portrait. Not being gentle when dusting can cause scratches. Use a microfiber duster or a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the delicate surface. Don’t use paper towels or any other abrasive material. Use a soft brush to remove dust from intricate frame details. Mix water with a mild pH-balanced cleaner and lightly dampen a soft cloth to remove stubborn dirt or smudges. Clean a small, inconspicuous area first and assess the results.
Handle with Clean Hands
Always handle your portrait with clean and dry hands to prevent stains or smudges.
Wash your Hands
Remove oils and dirt by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water.
Wear Gloves
Wearing gloves minimizes contact. Get a pair of clean, cotton gloves to handle your delicate portrait safely.
Limit Handling
Whenever you handle your Bob's Burgers portrait, you expose it to the risk of accidental damage. So, minimize handling and when you have to adjust or move the portrait, wear gloves and be gentle.
Handle with Full Attention
Stay focused. Don’t eat or drink while handling the portrait. Accidental spills will cause stains or even compromise the integrity of the portrait.
Maintain a Clean Environment
To prevent dust particle accumulation while handling, maintain a clean and dust-free environment. Make sure no debris is present there.
Choose the Right Frame
A thoughtfully picked frame effortlessly brings out the color and details of the art. Frame color and style is your personal choice. Pay attention to the following when it comes to preservation:
Material
Wood or metal frames are excellent choices to provide robust protection. However, remember that wood expands on heating and contracts on cooling. It also absorbs moisture from the environment. As the humidity levels rise, wood takes in water and increases in size. Wood loses moisture and shrinks in dry air. There should be no cycle of expansion and contraction as this can cause bending, or cracking. This will damage the artwork as well. Excess moisture also weakens the joints of the frame. Similarly, metal frames are prone to rusting. So, ensure the wood or metal frame is treated to resist temperature and moisture fluctuations.
Proportions and Fit
To keep the portrait secure in place, make sure that the frame proportions and fit suit its dimensions. Ideal depth of the frame prevents shifting within the frame.
Keep Chemicals Away
Chemical exposure compromises the integrity of the frame and artwork. Identify both the internal and external sources of chemicals and take preventive measures.
| Source | Content | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Products | Ammonia, Alcohol, Bleach | Cleaning products settle on the surface of the frame and portrait. This causes long-term deterioration or discoloration. |
| Cooking fumes and grease | Grease particles, Smoke | This can create a sticky layer that attracts dust and causes accumulation. Removing this accumulation can damage the portrait. |
| Paints and Varnishes | Organic compounds, Formaldehyde, Acetone | Artwork hung in newly painted rooms are prone to yellowing or embrittlement as fresh paint releases chemicals in the air. |
| Environmental Pollutants from Outside | VOCs (Volatile organic compounds), Nitrogen oxides, Sulfur dioxide, Ozone, Particulate matter | Pollutants enter from open windows and doors. Accumulation of these pollutants causes gradual acidification. |
| Tobacco smoke | Tar, Nicotine, Smoke particles | The yellowish residue of tobacco smoke can stain the frame and portrait. Tobacco smoke accelerates fading, weakens the frame, and causes discoloration. |
Keep Rotating
Rotating portraits is a good strategy to preserve it by:
- Limiting exposure to light
- Reducing humidity and temperature stresses
- Preserving structural integrity
So, rotate it every 3 to 6 months.
Store Properly
Store the portrait at a suitable and stable temperature (65-70°F) and humidity (40-50%). Keep in a dark room to minimize exposure to UV rays. Wrap it in acid-free, archival-quality materials. Add an extra protective layer by wrapping in plastic sheeting or polyethylene bags. Don’t store in the basement, attic, or any other place prone to flooding, temperature fluctuations, or pests. Avoid keeping it on the floor. Inspect the portrait regularly.