Here are 5 of the most common types of damage to art. Once you recognize the tell-tale signs, you can better store it and get your artwork the TLC it needs.
FOXING
Foxing describes brown speckling found typically on paper art. This happens when impurities in your paper begin to mold due to improper storage in a damp and warm environment. The impurities will begin to break down over time creating these stains we call Foxing.
WARPING
Warping or bowing of your artwork is when it appears misshapen, twisted, rippled, or distorted. This occurs most to 2D artwork on canvases and work in thin frames. Warping happens when moisture is unevenly absorbed throughout the artwork and frame. When kept in either too damp or too dry environments, the materials will warp to compensate for the lack of a steady climate.
HINGE SLIPAGE
When a 2D piece is framed and matted using hinges, it must stay upright. Hinges are a way of adhering artwork to a matt using folded adhesive papers. When a hinge breaks or artwork slips its hinge, often the work will fall inside of the frame and has potentially damaged the paper of the artwork. We want the hinge to be weaker than the paper used in the art so that it fails first and the artwork remains intact.
STAINING
Stains can appear on artwork when there has been water damage or too much sunlight over time. Areas can yellow and become more apparent.
CRACKING
Micro cracks appear on paintings over time when the temperature and humidity fluctuate often. The expansion and contraction of the product on canvas creates fissures and cracks throughout the surface. Overtime these cracks will grow, the structural integrity of the surface weakens, and the paint surface will begin to flake off.
If you notice any of these signs of damage, bring your artwork into our shop and we can help you out! Our team at Artserve works with a wide variety of local conservationists to address these common issues. Our connections and in-shop tools allow us to help with any situation you and your artwork may be facing.