GUIDE TO HANGING AND CARING FOR YOUR ARTWORK
Okay, so you have been to us with your artwork. We will have discussed which of the three levels of framing is appropriate for your artwork. To remind you they are:-

Museum Level - Will give your artwork ultimate protection from physical and mechanical damage, airborne pollution and acid damage for up to 35 years. (Suitable for artwork of high value and historical significance, e.g. historical documents, original paintings, bequeathed items and fragile objects).

Conservation Level - Will visually enhance your artwork and offer a high level of protection for up to 20 years. (Suitable for collectable artwork that is to be kept for future generations, e.g. needlework, photographs, memorabilia, limited edition prints and original artworks).

Commended Level - Enhances your artwork and gives a level of protection from pollutants for up to 10 years. (Suitable for artwork such as photographs, posters, reproduction prints, photocopy documents and display artwork).

These time frames are a general guide only. By bringing your artwork back to us every three to five years for a free check up and following the suggestions below you will get many more years from your artwork than those stated.

Below we have some handy hints that will help to further extend the life of your art. All artworks are susceptible to damage caused by extreme temperatures, humidity and light. By carefully selecting the correct hanging position you can help to extend the life of your artwork.

•	Wherever possible you should hang your artwork on an interior wall rather than an exterior wall. Exterior walls, especially south facing, can contain dampness. If you do find that hanging your artwork on an exterior wall is unavoidable we can take measures, during the course of framing, or after, to prevent moisture from penetrating the reverse of the frame package.
•	Ideally, artwork should not be hung above fireplaces or radiators. Extreme or rapid changes in temperatures can cause paper and wood to dry out with the result of buckling and twisting.
•	Light can also cause irreparable damage to artworks. UV filtering glass can be used to minimise the effects of fading (Hidden House Picture Framing stocks UV glass). Other measures, such as closing curtains when a room is not in use and switching off artificial lights when not needed, can be effective in reducing levels of light from damaging your artwork. It should be noted that as well as fading colours within an artwork, UV light could also increase brittleness of fabric and paper fibres. Always attempt to hang your artwork outside the line of direct sunlight, even if your artwork is framed with UV filtering glass. Watch out for the changing positions of the sun throughout the year as this can bring sunlight to areas that were previously in the shade.
•	Use two hooks on the wall to hang your pictures. Using two hooks will ensure that your picture is evenly balanced and more reliably secured to the wall. Set them about 75-100mm (3"-4") in from either side of the picture. We will provide you with free hooks at the time of collecting your framed artwork; if we forget please remind us.
•	Dust frames with a soft cloth. If liquids have to be used to clean the glass apply them to the cloth first rather than directly onto the glass. If UV resistant glazing has been used on your artwork you can purchase specialised ammonia free cleaner from us at Hidden House Picture Framing.
•	When you have your artwork on the wall you may wish to consider taking a photograph of it - this then provides a reference for you to compare against the artwork in the future to check for any signs of deterioration or damage. The photograph will also provide the police and your insurance company with an accurate record should your house be broken into and your artwork stolen.
•	When carrying and transporting artwork, hold the frame firmly at both sides, not from the top edge. If you have to store your pictures, make sure that they are stacked vertically and the right way up. When stacking framed artwork, stand them glass-to-glass so that the hangers on the reverse do not damage the frame surface.
•	Remember to return your framed artwork to Hidden House Picture Framing every 3-5 years so that we can check that the cord and hanging fasteners are in good condition.

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