Caring For ACEO Art Cards
To properly care for art, it’s essential to protect it from environmental factors like sunlight, humidity, and temperature fluctuations, and to handle it with care. Avoiding chemicals and storing artwork properly are also crucial.
Artworks on paper are particularly susceptible to damage from light and moisture and should be handled with extra care.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Protection:
- Cool, Dry, and Dark: Temperature and humidity fluctuations can damage cards, so avoid basements, attics, and garages.
- Sunlight: Avoid hanging artwork in direct sunlight, as it can cause fading and damage, especially for works on paper and watercolors.
- Humidity and Temperature: Maintain stable humidity levels (around 40-45%) and temperatures (ideally 65-75 degrees F). Extremes can damage canvases, causing cracking, puckering, or mold growth.
- Avoid: Do not store art in plastic for extended periods, as moisture can be trapped, potentially leading to mold.
- Card Sleeves: Use penny sleeves (inner sleeves) and top loaders (rigid plastic sleeves) to protect against scratches, bending, and handling damage.
- Binders: Binders with archival-quality pages are a good option, especially for displaying and organizing cards.
- Consider: Framing art under non-glare glass, especially works on paper, to protect them from sunlight and humidity.
Handling:
- Clean Hands: Always handle cards with clean, dry hands to prevent transferring oils, dirt, and fingerprints.
- Minimize Handling: Handle cards as little as possible to reduce the risk of wear and tear.
- Dusting: Regularly dust artwork with a soft, lint-free cloth or a soft brush, especially for textured or fragile surfaces.
- Cleaning: Never use water or chemical cleaners on artwork, as they can cause damage. For cleaning, consult a professional conservator.
- Handling: Always handle artwork with clean hands or gloves, and support the piece thoroughly to avoid bending or dropping it.
- Storing: For long-term storage, wrap artwork in acid-free paper or board, and consider using acid-free tissue paper to separate stacked pieces.
To properly care for collectible cards, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity. Use protective sleeves and top loaders, and consider professional grading for valuable cards. Handle cards carefully by the edges to avoid fingerprints and potential damage.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid: Placing artwork near heat sources, like fireplaces or radiators, and areas with heavy traffic or potential for accidental damage.
- Monitor: Regularly check your artwork for any signs of damage, like fading, cracking, or dampness.
Got questions about ACEO Cards or my art? Check out my ACEO FAQ page.