Artwork Care & Preservation Guide

Brenda Hillman Art, Inc. www.brendahillmanart.com | brendahillmanart@aol.com

Post Office Box 6627, Douglasville, GA 30154

To My Valued Customers,

Thank you for bringing Brenda Hillman Art into your collection. Every piece of artwork—whether a one-of-a-kind original canvas or a limited-edition giclée print—is an investment that deserves careful preservation. By following a few foundational preservation steps, you will ensure that your artwork maintains its vibrant beauty, physical integrity, and financial value for generations to come.

1. Shield from Direct Sunlight

Modern fine art pigments are continuously engineered for higher light-fastness; however, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays will cause colors to fade over time.

The Golden Rule: Always hang your artwork in a location that receives no direct sunlight.
Framing Tip: While specialized UV-protective glass is an excellent option, it can be costly. Simply choosing a thoughtful, sun-safe placement in your room is often the best, most practical precaution.

2. Safeguard from Climate Extremes

All originals and prints from Brenda Hillman Art are produced on premium, acid-free archival papers and canvases. These natural fibers thrive in stable, human-comfortable environments.

Storage: Never store your artwork in garages, attics, or unconditioned storage units where extreme heat, freezing cold, or moisture can warp the materials.
Placement: Hang your art away from active heat sources like radiators, heating vents, or working fireplaces. Avoid damp areas like high-humidity bathrooms or areas right next to external doors. Works on paper can suffer irreversible moisture damage if humidity levels exceed 70%.

3. Use Archival Framing Materials

When framing your artwork, ensure that every material directly touching the piece is strictly acid-free. Standard cardboard or cheap paper backings release acids that cause irreversible yellowing and deterioration.

Matting & Backing: Utilize art-grade foam-core backing and acid-free mat boards. Note that while the core of a mat board may be acid-free, the colored top layer often is not.
The Premium Choice: For maximum longevity and museum-quality preservation, request 100% cotton museum board from your framer. Because most Brenda Hillman artwork is purchased unframed at gallery exhibits, selecting a reputable framer is key.

4. Professional Cleaning & Maintenance

Proper cleaning techniques prevent surface abrasion and environmental buildup.

Glazed Artwork (Under Glass): Spray a high-quality glass cleaner onto a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth or paper towel first—never spray cleaner directly onto the frame. Lightly polish the glass.
Wood Frames: Buff gently with a soft cloth. An annual application of fine wood wax or light oil polish will preserve the wood's luster.
Open Artwork (No Glass): Original paintings not protected by glass should be gently dusted at least twice a year using a soft, feather-style duster. Avoid touching the paint surface with bare hands, keep artwork away from smoky environments, and consult a professional art restorer if deep cleaning or repair is ever required.

5. Architectural Placement & Presentation

When hanging your artwork, design the placement around how the piece will be experienced.

Eye-Level Rule: As a general standard, hang your artwork so the top of the painting sits approximately 6’6” from the floor, keeping it comfortably at or slightly above eye level for standing viewers.
Above Furniture: If hanging a piece above a sofa, console, or mantle, position the bottom edge of the frame one foot or less above the furniture so the two elements visually anchor each other as a cohesive unit.
High Ceilings: In two-story rooms, art can be hung higher if it is intended to be viewed from a balcony, catwalk, or mezzanine.

6. Media-Specific Framing Guidelines

Different mediums require distinct preservation environments. Because 90% of original Brenda Hillman Art is created using delicate dry mediums (charcoal, pencil, colored pencil, and pastel), specialized care is essential:

Charcoal, Pencil, & Pastels: These delicate, powdery surfaces should be professionally framed under glass as soon as possible to protect them from smudging. Never touch the face of these originals with bare hands.
Oil & Acrylic Paintings: These mediums should never be framed under glass. Oil and acrylic paints expand and contract naturally and need to "breathe" to avoid cracking or peeling. Continuous dusting prevents damaging buildup.

Recommended DIY Framing Resources: If you choose to frame your artwork yourself, these highly reputable online custom-framing platforms provide excellent archival materials and custom sizing:

Framebridge (Excellent for easy, mail-in or digital custom framing)

American Frame (The preferred choice for independent artists and DIY gallery framing)

Frame Destination (Fantastic for purchasing high-quality archival mats and backing boards)

Thank you once again for selecting my creations to bring inspiration, culture, and narrative depth to your home, office, or the collection of a loved one. May it bring you joy for many years to come.

Warm regards, Dr. Brenda Hillman Visual Artist & Founder, Brenda Hillman Art, Inc.