Professional Guidance for Pastel and Oil Paintings
Your artwork has been created with care, intention, and high quality materials. With thoughtful handling and proper display, both pastel and oil paintings can remain vibrant and beautiful for generations. This guide offers clear, simple steps to help you protect and enjoy your artwork with confidence.
Handling Your Artwork
Pastel Paintings
Pastels are a delicate medium, and the surface should never be touched. When your pastel artwork arrives:
- Keep it inside its protective packaging
- Hand it directly to your framer
- Avoid opening the glassine or touching the surface
A small amount of pastel dust inside the glassine is completely normal and does not affect the artwork.
Oil Paintings
Oil paintings are more robust but still require gentle handling:
- Hold the artwork by the frame or stretcher bars, never the painted surface
- Avoid touching the paint — oils can remain sensitive for months
- Keep the surface away from sharp objects or rough fabrics
Framing Recommendations
Pastel Paintings
Pastels require thoughtful, archival framing:
- Always use acid free, archival materials
- Pastels must be framed behind glass
- Avoid acrylic (Perspex), which can create static
- Use a spacer or mat board to keep the glass from touching the artwork
- UV protective glass is recommended
- Choose a framer experienced with pastel artworks
Oil Paintings
Oil paintings should not be sealed behind glass unless using museum grade glazing with a spacer. Standard care includes:
- Acid?free, archival framing materials
- A frame that allows the painting to “breathe”
- Optional museum glass if desired, but not typical
- A framer experienced with fine art
Ideal Display Conditions
Both pastel and oil paintings benefit from similar thoughtful placement:
- Hang away from direct sunlight
- Avoid areas with high humidity (bathrooms, kitchens)
- Keep away from heaters, fireplaces, or strong airflow
- Ensure the wall is dry and stable
- Avoid hanging above radiators or in damp corners
These conditions help preserve colour, prevent warping, and maintain surface stability.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Pastel Paintings
Once framed:
- Clean only the glass surface, never the artwork
- Use a soft cloth and gentle glass cleaner
- Spray cleaner onto the cloth, not the frame
- Check the frame seal every few years
If you notice movement or dust inside the frame, a framer can easily correct it.
Oil Paintings
Oil paintings should be cleaned only by professionals. For everyday care:
- Dust the frame gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid feather dusters
- Never use water, sprays, or cleaning products on the painting
If the surface appears dull or dusty over time, a conservator can safely clean or re-varnish it.
Long-Term Preservation
With proper care:
- Pastels remain luminous, stable, and richly coloured
- Oils become more stable as the paint cures and can last centuries
Both mediums are designed to be enjoyed for a lifetime.
Questions or Support
If you ever have questions about caring for your artwork, framing options, or display considerations, you’re always welcome to reach out. I’m here to help you enjoy your artwork with confidence and peace of mind.