In today’s digital age, handmade artworks are often overlooked, yet they remain invaluable cultural artefacts that deserve preservation. Each handmade piece carries the traditions, values, and experiences of its creator, making them irreplaceable.
These artworks not only reflect historical events and social movements but also hold significant aesthetic value, with unique textures, colors, and forms that modern technology cannot replicate.
Among handmade artworks, handmade portraits stand out as particularly special. More than just a likeness, they capture the personality, spirit, and character of an individual.
When created by hand, portraits gain a depth and emotional resonance that photographs often lack. These one-of-a-kind pieces serve as cherished memories, making their preservation crucial.
If you’re wondering how to protect your precious handmade artwork from damage, look no further!
This guide will provide essential information on understanding materials, recognizing deterioration factors, and implementing effective conservation practices.
Understanding the Materials Used in Handmade Artworks
Handmade artworks are crafted using various materials, each with unique characteristics and longevity. Below are some commonly used materials, their properties, and considerations for preservation:
Common Materials in Handmade Artworks
- Paper: Lightweight and absorbent, often used for watercolor painting, drawing, and printmaking. Susceptible to warping and yellowing over time.
- Canvas: Durable and flexible, suitable for oil and acrylic painting. Requires proper stretching and framing to prevent sagging.
- Wood: Provides a sturdy surface for mixed media and painting but can be prone to warping and insect damage.
- Cardboard: Affordable and versatile, often used in collage and mixed media but fragile when exposed to moisture.
- Watercolor Paper: Designed for watercolor use, resistant to multiple washes but susceptible to brittleness.
- Pastel Board: Ideal for pastel painting, offering a smooth surface but fragile if not handled properly.
- Mixed Media Boards: Pre-coated with various textures, allowing for diverse artistic techniques but requiring careful handling.
- Yupo Paper: A synthetic paper with unique absorbency, commonly used for watercolor painting but sensitive to heat and humidity.
In addition to these surfaces, artists use various mediums, including acrylic, oil, watercolor, gouache, glazes, texture pastes, and mixed media materials, all of which require proper preservation techniques.
Deterioration: Causes and Effects
Understanding the factors that contribute to the deterioration of handmade artworks is crucial for effective preservation. Below are common materials and their vulnerabilities:
Material-Specific Deterioration
- Paper & Cardboard: Yellowing, brittleness, and crumbling due to UV exposure, humidity, and temperature fluctuations.
- Canvas: Cracking, peeling, or brittleness from aging, handling, and exposure to light and moisture.
- Wood: Susceptible to rot, insect infestation, and warping due to humidity.
- Mixed Media Boards: Discoloration and brittleness from light, moisture, and handling.
- Acrylic & Oil Paints: Fading, cracking, or yellowing over time, particularly when exposed to UV light and fluctuating temperatures.
- Watercolor & Gouache Paints: Prone to fading and brittleness from UV exposure, humidity, and excessive handling.
- Glazes & Texture Pastes: Brittle or cracking over time due to moisture, heat, and environmental factors.
By recognizing these vulnerabilities, you can take the necessary steps to prevent deterioration and extend the lifespan of your artwork.
Conservation Practices and Preservation Tips
Proper conservation techniques can significantly prolong the life of handmade artworks. Below are general and specific preservation tips to maintain their integrity:
General Preservation Tips
- Handle with Care: Avoid unnecessary handling to prevent smudging, tearing, or bending.
- Store Flat: Paper-based artworks should be stored flat to prevent creasing and warping.
- Control Humidity & Temperature: Keep artworks in a cool, dry place to avoid mold growth, fading, and brittleness.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV rays accelerate fading and degradation; use UV-filtering glass for framed pieces.
- Use Acid-Free Materials: Store artworks in acid-free storage boxes, envelopes, and tapes to prevent chemical damage.
- Protect from Moisture: Avoid exposure to water and humidity, especially for paper-based and wooden artworks.
Material-Specific Preservation Tips
- Paper & Cardboard: Store in acid-free folders and avoid exposure to high humidity.
- Canvas: Stretch over a sturdy frame and varnish for added protection.
- Wood: Seal with protective coatings and store in a dry area.
- Pastel Board: Frame under glass to prevent smudging and dust accumulation.
- Oil & Acrylic Paints: Use varnish to protect against UV damage and store in a temperature-controlled environment.
- Watercolor & Gouache Paints: Avoid exposure to moisture and store away from direct sunlight.
Additionally, consulting with the artist who created the artwork can provide valuable insights into its specific preservation needs.
Conclusion
Handmade artworks are more than just decorative pieces; they are invaluable representations of history, culture, and personal memories. Preserving them ensures that future generations can continue to appreciate their beauty and significance.
By understanding the materials used, recognizing potential deterioration factors, and implementing proper conservation practices, you can safeguard your treasured artworks for years to come.
This guide provides essential tips for maintaining handmade artworks, but continuous research and consultation with artists or conservation professionals will further help in their long-term preservation. With the right care, your artwork will remain as vibrant and meaningful as the day it was created.
