Hanging art and personal photos around your home is a great way to show off your style and personality, and you'll want to keep the pieces you choose looking their best over the years. When done right, this isn't as difficult as you might think. With a few precautions, you can continue to enjoy your artwork and photographs for many years to come. Here's what you need to know. 

Minimize Direct Sunlight 

The sun's UV rays can harm your artwork and photos just like they can your skin. They can drain the color from just about anything, including art and photos. When choosing places to hang pieces, don't forget to consider the lighting conditions. Monitor potential spots throughout the day to ensure they won't get any sunlight as the sun moves across the sky. You can also install UV-blocking glass in the frame if you really must hang your pieces in direct sunlight. Avoid hanging artwork near exterior doors as well, as the constant opening and closing can allow light in, as well as humidity and extreme temperatures. 

Don't Use Cleaning Solvents 

If you have art that is unframed or is in a frame that doesn't have a glass or acrylic panel in the front, resist the urge to use cleaning products on the artwork itself. The chemicals in most cleaning products can interact with the paint or other medium, distorting the color and ruining the piece. Instead, simply dust the painting with a feather duster or soft cloth on a regular basis to prevent it from getting dirty. Even if your frame does have glass, the solvent can seep in between the glass and the frame, ruining your piece. 

Store Unhung Artwork Properly 

If you aren't ready to hang a particular piece just yet, don't leave it in the protective tube it came in. Over time, this can cause the paint to crack, which can ruin the painting when you do unroll it. Try to always store your artwork flat whenever possible, and be sure to keep everything in a cool, dry place. Intense temperatures can dry out paint, and moisture in the air can ruin photographs. Attics and basements work well for this purpose, but a closet will also work in a pinch. 

Protect Your Artwork and Photos with High-Quality Frames 

Great frames will not only protect your pieces from damage over time but also make the artwork or photo look even better. The frame draws your attention to the work, making it the focal point of the room. Here at DeSola Glass, Art & Frame Gallery, we can design custom frames for your unique pieces. Get in touch with us or stop by our shop today to learn more about how we can help you preserve your artwork and photos over the years with beautiful frames.