How to Care For Pastel Paintings

Have you ever stumbled upon a pastel painting that took your breath away? The delicate colors and soft lines create a unique and enchanting piece of art. But with such fragile beauty, how can you ensure that your pastel paintings stay in pristine condition?

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, caring for pastel paintings can be a daunting task. From selecting the right storage options to cleaning techniques, there are numerous aspects to consider. Not to mention, any damage done to these delicate works of art can be devastating both emotionally and financially.

But fear not! In this article, we will guide you through the process of caring for your precious pastels. We’ll provide tips on how to store them properly, clean them safely, and protect them from potential damage. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to ensure that your stunning pastel paintings remain as breathtaking as the day they were created. So let’s dive in!

Proper Materials for Caring for Pastel Paintings

Pastel paintings are unique in that they require special care to ensure their longevity. One of the most important aspects of caring for pastel paintings is using the proper materials. Using subpar materials can not only damage the painting but can also reduce its overall lifetime.

The first material to consider is the type of paper used for the painting. Acid-free paper is essential as it prevents deterioration and yellowing over time. This type of paper also helps protect against fading and discoloration caused by exposure to light.

It’s also crucial to choose high-quality pastels. Low-quality pastels may contain fillers or waxes that can cause smudging or fading over time. High-quality pastels, on the other hand, are made with pure pigments and binders that do not affect the painting’s quality over time.

In addition, using a fixative spray helps preserve the painting’s color and texture while protecting it from smudging and dust buildup. It’s worth noting that not all fixatives are safe for use on pastel paintings, so be sure to choose one specifically designed for this medium.

Materials Checklist:

• Acid-free paper
• High-quality pastels
• Pastel fixative spray

Storing Pastel Paintings to Prevent Damage

Storing your pastel paintings correctly prolongs their lifespan and protects them from damage caused by improper storage conditions. Ideally, you should store your pastel paintings flat or vertically in a frame behind glass or plexiglass.

If storing flat, place acid-free paper between each painting to prevent any rubbing or smudging during transport or storage. Storing vertically requires a sturdy support such as a foam board with slots cut into it to hold each painting.

Temperature and humidity are also important factors when storing pastel paintings. Extreme temperatures or high humidity can cause warping, mold growth, or color fading. A controlled environment with moderate temperatures between 65-75°F and relative humidity around 50% is ideal.

Lastly, it’s essential to protect your paintings from exposure to UV light as it can cause fading over time. Store your pastel paintings in a dark place away from direct sunlight or fluorescent light sources.

Storage Checklist:

• Store flat or vertically
• Use acid-free paper between each painting
• Controlled environment with moderate temperature and humidity levels
• Avoid exposure to UV light

Cleaning Pastel Paintings Without Damaging Them

Cleaning pastel paintings can be tricky as the medium is delicate and easily smudged if not handled carefully. Before cleaning, ensure that the painting is completely dry and free of any debris or dust.

Using a soft-bristled brush or an airbrush, gently remove any surface dirt or dust buildup. Avoid using water or any liquid cleaners on pastel paintings as they can damage the paper’s fibers and cause discoloration.

If there are any stubborn stains on the painting, try using a kneaded eraser to gently lift them off without smudging surrounding areas. Be careful not to press too hard as this can damage the painting’s surface.

It’s worth noting that cleaning should only be done when necessary as excessive cleaning can wear down the paper’s surface over time. When in doubt, always consult with a professional art conservator to ensure proper cleaning techniques are used.

Cleaning Checklist:

• Ensure painting is dry and free of debris before cleaning
• Use a soft-bristled brush or airbrush for surface dirt or dust
• Avoid using water or liquid cleaners
• Use a kneaded eraser for stubborn stains
• Consult with a professional art conservator for proper cleaning techniques when in doubt

Inspecting Pastel Paintings for Deterioration

Over time, pastel paintings may deteriorate due to exposure to environmental factors or improper storage conditions. Inspecting your pastel paintings regularly is essential to detect any signs of deterioration early on and prevent further damage.

The first thing to look out for is discoloration or fading. If you notice a change in color, it may be due to exposure to light or humidity. Another sign of deterioration is cracking or peeling around the edges of the painting, which can result from changes in temperature or humidity.

Water damage is another common issue that affects pastel paintings. Signs of water damage include warping, staining, and mold growth. If you suspect water damage, it’s crucial to address the issue immediately before the painting sustains further damage.

Lastly, pay attention to any signs of insect activity such as holes or tunnels in the paper. Insect activity can cause significant damage if left unchecked.

Inspection Checklist:

• Look out for discoloration or fading
• Check for cracking or peeling around edges of painting
• Watch out for signs of water damage such as warping, staining, and mold growth
• Pay attention to any signs of insect activity such as holes or tunnels in the paper

Preventing Fading in Pastel Paintings

Fading is one of the most common issues that affect pastel paintings over time. Exposure to UV light is a leading cause of fading and can cause irreversible damage if not prevented. There are several ways to protect your pastel paintings from fading, including using UV-protective glass or plexiglass when framing your painting.

Another option is to use a UV filter on windows that receive direct sunlight. This helps reduce the amount of UV light that enters the room and protects your paintings from fading. You can also rotate your pastel paintings regularly to prevent overexposure to light in any one area.

Lastly, store your pastel paintings in a dark place away from direct sunlight or fluorescent light sources when not in use. This helps prevent unnecessary exposure to UV light and reduces the risk of fading.

Prevention Checklist:

• Use UV-protective glass or plexiglass when framing
• Use a UV filter on windows receiving direct sunlight
• Rotate paintings regularly to prevent overexposure
• Store pastel paintings in a dark place away from direct sunlight or fluorescent light sources

Avoiding Environmental Conditions That Damage Pastel Paintings

Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to light can affect the quality and lifespan of your pastel paintings. Avoiding these conditions is key to preserving your artwork for years to come.

Extreme temperatures can cause warping or cracking of the paper while high humidity levels promote mold growth and deterioration of the paper’s fibers. A controlled environment with moderate temperatures between 65-75°F and relative humidity around 50% is ideal for storing pastel paintings.

Exposure to light, particularly UV light, can cause fading and discoloration over time. Direct sunlight should be avoided at all costs while fluorescent light sources should be used sparingly or avoided altogether if possible.

Lastly, smoke and dust buildup can damage pastel paintings over time by causing discoloration or staining. Keep your artwork in a clean, dust-free environment to prevent any long-term damage.

Avoidance Checklist:

• Avoid extreme temperatures and high humidity levels
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or fluorescent light sources
• Keep pastel paintings in a clean, dust-free environment

Restoring Damaged or Deteriorated Pastel Paintings

Restoring damaged or deteriorated pastel paintings is a delicate process that requires the expertise of a professional art conservator. Attempting restoration on your own can cause further damage and reduce the painting’s overall quality and lifespan.

The restoration process typically involves cleaning the painting, repairing any tears or holes in the paper, and restoring color where it has faded or been lost. The conservator may also use techniques such as inpainting to fill in areas where pigment has been lost.

It’s worth noting that not all pastel paintings are candidates for restoration. Severely damaged or deteriorated paintings may be beyond repair, and attempting restoration could cause further damage. Always consult with a professional art conservator before attempting any restoration on your own.

Restoration Checklist:

• Consult with a professional art conservator for restoration needs
• Clean the painting and repair any tears or holes in the paper
• Restore color where it has faded or been lost
• Inpaint areas where pigment has been lost if necessary

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Caring for Pastel Paintings

Caring for pastel paintings requires attention to detail and proper technique. Avoiding common mistakes can help preserve your artwork’s quality and prolong its lifespan.

One mistake to avoid is using low-quality materials such as cheap pastels or non-acid-free paper. These materials can damage the painting over time and reduce its overall quality.

Another mistake is improper storage conditions such as leaving the painting exposed to direct sunlight or storing it in a humid environment. Always store your pastel paintings in a controlled environment away from any potential environmental hazards.

Lastly, avoid excessive cleaning or restoration attempts on your own. Improper cleaning techniques can damage the paper’s fibers, while restoration attempts without proper expertise can cause further damage and reduce the painting’s overall quality.

Avoidance Checklist:

• Use high-quality materials
• Store pastel paintings in a controlled environment
• Avoid excessive cleaning or restoration attempts on your own

In conclusion, proper care for pastel paintings involves storing them in a dry and cool environment, avoiding direct sunlight exposure, framing them with acid-free materials, and handling them with clean hands or gloves to prevent smudging. By following these simple steps, you can ensure the longevity and preservation of your pastel artworks.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Care For Pastel Paintings

How do you protect pastel paintings?
Take the piece and place it onto the foam board. Then, use scrapbooking tape to secure each of the corners.

How long do pastel paintings last?
When given proper care, your painting can last for multiple generations to come. Pastel is known as one of the most long-lasting art mediums available, with some pastel works from over 200 years ago still maintaining their original vibrancy and freshness.

Can you seal a pastel painting?
Oil pastels are easily affected by both solvents and smudges, but it is possible to create a seal or coating similar to a fixative to protect them.

How do you maintain pastels?
To protect unframed pastel paintings from smudging, they should be stored flat with glassine paper covering them. It is advisable to tape the glassine paper to the edges of the painting to ensure it remains in place and does not cause any smudging.

What is the weakness of pastel painting?
Pastel art is easily smudged and can be messy on your hands, clothes, and workspace. Unfortunately, it cannot be effectively fixed with a fixative spray without altering the color. It is recommended to use fixative sparingly or not at all.

How do you seal a soft pastel painting?
To use the key, gently apply it in short strokes without saturating or overspraying the painting, as this will cause a mess. Use short bursts for best results.