Art Care & How to Hang a Picture

Unpacking & Handling

Unpack your artwork carefully and inspect it before hanging. Always handle a canvas by its wooden stretcher bars or frame — never press on the front or back of the canvas, as pressure can leave permanent marks. Hold framed pieces by the sides with clean, dry hands, and lay the work face-up on a soft, clean surface while you prepare to hang it.

If your piece arrived rolled in a tube, allow it to relax flat for 24–48 hours before stretching or framing. For stretching and custom framing, we're happy to help — visit our Houston showroom or give us a call.

Where to Display

Original oil and mixed-media paintings last longest in a stable environment. Keep these in mind when choosing a spot:

• Avoid direct sunlight. Prolonged UV exposure can fade pigments over time. Choose a wall that doesn't receive harsh, direct sun.
• Avoid heat and humidity. Don't hang artwork directly above radiators, fireplaces, air vents, or in bathrooms and unconditioned spaces. Aim for a climate-controlled room.
• Give it air. Leave a small gap between the artwork and the wall so air can circulate behind the canvas.

Cleaning & Dusting

Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth or a clean, dry natural-bristle brush. Never use water, household cleaners, or solvents on a painting, and avoid touching the painted surface with your fingers. If a piece needs more than light dusting, consult a professional art conservator.

How to Hang a Picture

Hanging a painting well is easy with a few guidelines:

• Center at eye level. The standard is to position the center of the artwork about 57–60 inches from the floor. In rooms where you're usually seated (like a dining room), you can hang a little lower.
• Above furniture. When hanging over a sofa or console, leave roughly 6–10 inches between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the frame, and keep the piece to about two-thirds the width of the furniture.
• Use the right hardware. For most works, two D-rings or a wire with wall anchors rated above the artwork's weight will keep it secure and level. For heavy or oversized pieces, anchor into a stud.
• Level it. Mark your points with a pencil, check with a level, and use two hanging points to prevent tilting.
• Grouping multiple pieces. Keep a consistent 2–4 inch gap between frames and treat the arrangement as one visual block, aligned along a common center line.

Long-Term Care

With basic care, an original painting will last for generations. Keep it clean and dry, out of direct sun, and away from temperature extremes. If you ever move or store a piece, wrap it in acid-free materials and keep it upright in a cool, dry place.