Caring for Your Collage

Congratulations!  You just got yourself a new collage!

Now let’s talk about how to take care of the collage so it keeps bringing you joy for a long, long time.

An original collage wrapped and ready to go!

Most importantly: Don’t hang your collage in direct or full sun!  

That is the absolute worst thing you could do to your new collage. The sun is mighty; she will bleach those colors before you know it! Collages do not like the sun.

To help protect your artwork from the sun's harmful rays, frame it with UV-protective glass or acrylic.  There are quite a few options out there, and the extra expense is worth it.  I offer to frame many of my collages using UV-protective glass, so you don’t have to worry about it!

Allison at Superfine New York. Photo credit: James Miille

Collages also do not like humidity. Keep this in mind when hanging your artwork.  Your steamy bathroom is probably not the best place for it.  Having the work framed will help protect it from the humidity as well.  Luckily, I will frame many of my collages for you, so it’s ready to hang as soon as you get it.

Next, avoid touching the artwork with your bare hands!  No matter how clean your hands are, those natural oils that make your skin so soft and touchable are not good for artwork. Besides, the only fingerprints you want on your artwork are those of the artists themselves.  

If you have to touch the artwork, make sure to wash your hands and dry them well beforehand, or wear gloves.

What if your collage isn’t framed with glass?  Care is pretty much the same, but you must be careful when dusting it.  Only use a soft dry cloth and be very gentle.  Never use water, soap, or other chemicals and cleaning agents.

Having your artwork professionally cleaned is always an option, but if you follow the simple instructions above that shouldn’t be necessary!

Allison at The Yellow Studio. Photo credit Jennifer Mullowney

TLDR:

• Don’t hang your art in full/direct sunlight.  

• Don’t hang your art in a humid area.  

• Frame it with UV-protective glass. 

• Don’t touch it.

Ready to buy your next collage? Shop my available work!