How do you protect acrylic paintings?

Answer 1

Handle an oil painting by the frame, never touch the painting itself. Don't let anything press against the front or back of the canvas, this can create a dent or hole. Never try to repair damage yourself. An amateur repair job, given time, will show. For temporary storage or transporting, place cardboard or plywood on both front and back (slightly larger than the outside dimensions of the framed oil painting) and then wrap in 'bubble wrap' and tape or tie securely. Permanent storage should be in a custom-sized plywood crate with the painting braced to allow air flow on all sides without shifting. Never expose an oil painting to extremes of heat, cold, or humidity, whether hanging on your wall or in storage. Basements and attics are bad places to store paintings. Occasional dusting with a clean, soft-bristled brush is recommended. A very old or dirty oil painting should be taken to a professional restorer.

Answer 2

Paintings are best stored vertically, standing up, like old LP records. You can wrap them in butcher paper, but that paper may have acids in it. You really don't need to wrap or pack the painting. Just find a tall shelf space or cubby hole and slide it in, like a big book. As long as it's not being smashed, it should be okay.

**addendum

No paintings should be stored in extreme heat, especially if they are close to one another.

Answer 3

I use FolkArt Artists' Varnish Gloss. It's a Polyurethane, Protective Sealer, that's non-yellowing.

You should apply it with a very large brush so you don't get very visible lines. I do one coat horizontal. Let dry. Then one coat vertical. I bought it at Wal-Mart, but alot of places have it.

Answer 4

Any acrylic paint above the "student grade" is inherently archival. What you want to make certain is, that your surface is acid-free. Choose an illustration board or canvas that is archival and a primer that is likewise archival. (Real gesso is pretty much extinct, so no point into discussing that.) Once your painting is completed, make certain not to store/display it in too harsh a direct light. (Upon a north wall is the traditional ideal place. It's both safe and flattering.)

Answer 5

Upright in a temperature stable, dry place out of direct sunlight