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TLC

ORIGINAL ARTWORKS

  • Handle with clean, dry hands to avoid transferring oils, moisture or dirt to the artwork

  • Avoid touching the art surface, as this may cause blemishes

  • Use cotton gloves when handling to prevent fingerprints and wear on the surface

  • Do not use cleaning products or water directly on the artwork

  • Dust artwork lightly with a clean, soft detailing brush

  • Consult with a professional art conservator for specialised cleaning

  • Display the artwork away from direct sunlight to prevent colours from fading over time

  • Consider the weight of the artwork and the strength of the wall and supports on which it will be displayed

  • Avoid hanging artwork directly above heat sources or in an environment exposed to moisture and humidity

  • Frame artworks using acid-free materials to prevent deterioration over time

  • Ensure that the glass or acrylic used in the framing has UV protection to reduce fading over time

  • Dust gently with a soft, clean and lint-free microfibre cloth

  • If cleaning is necessary, use a gentle cleaner specifically designed for glass or acrylic

  • Do not spray directly onto the frame, spray the dust cloth and then only clean the glass

  • Periodically check for any dust or insects that may have entered the frame

FINE ART & PHOTOGRAPHY PRINTS

  • Handle prints with clean, dry hands to avoid transferring oils, moisture or dirt to the paper

  • Do not touch the printed area as scuffing or finger marks can be left visible

  • Use cotton gloves when handling to prevent blemishes and wear on the surface

  • Do not use cleaning products or water directly on the paper or print

  • A soft, detailing brush can be used to gently remove dust from the printed area of the paper

  • Consult with a professional art conservator for specialised cleaning

  • Display artwork away from direct sunlight to prevent colours from fading over time

  • Consider the weight of the artwork and the strength of the wall and supports on which it will be displayed

  • Avoid exposing prints to big changes in temperature and humidity

  • Frame artworks using acid-free materials to prevent deterioration over time

  • Ensure that the glass or acrylic used in the framing has UV protection to reduce fading over time

  • Dust gently with a soft, clean and lint-free microfibre cloth

  • If cleaning is necessary, use a gentle cleaner specifically designed for glass or acrylic

  • Do not spray directly onto the frame, spray the dust cloth and then only clean the glass

  • Periodically check for any dust or insects that may have entered the frame

  • Framing behind glass (or perspex) provides ultimate physical protection. Discuss archival options with your framer before doing so, as cheaper quality frames often include non-archival glues and acids that can damage your print over time

CERAMICS

  • Handle pottery pieces with clean, dry hands to avoid transferring oils, moisture or dirt

  • Avoid lifting pottery by the rims, as this may cause stress and potential breakage

  • Use latex gloves to prevent pottery from slipping out of hands

  • Use compressed air to dust terra-cotta, raku, bisque and other unglazed ceramics

  • A soft detailing brush can be used to dust the surface of glazed pottery pieces

  • If cleaning is necessary, handwash glazed pottery pieces with gentle dish soap and warm water

  • Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads

  • Allow pottery to air dry completely before storing

  • Handmade ceramics are delicate works of art and should never be placed in a dishwasher or microwave

  • Consult with a professional art conservator for specialised cleaning

  • Place the pottery piece in a location where it won’t get knocked over

  • Display pottery away from direct sunlight to prevent colours from fading over time

  • Avoid sudden temperature changes as this can cause cracking

  • Use soft pads or felt to protect surfaces when displaying pottery pieces on furniture

  • Pottery pieces should ideally be displayed in a dust-proof case to avoid particles settling on its surface

GENERAL TIPS

STORAGE

  • When storing and sending prints, your first layer of protection should be archival plastic or tissue to protect from scuffing and rubbing, particularly if you're stacking multiples together

  • If storing items for an extended period, wrap them in acid-free tissue paper and place them in a climate-controlled storage area

  • Keep in mind the storage environment regarding heat and moisture. Cool is always better than hot

  • Prints should be stored flat, either in or out of mounts, layered between sheets of non-acidic interleaving tissue

  • Store either horizontally or in a straight vertical position. Do not lean them at an angle

  • Loose prints should not be stored rolled up. Prints that have been mailed in tubes should be flattened as soon as possible

  • The storage area should be clean, dry and protected from insects and vermin. Cockroaches, fishmoths and mice are common despoilers of paper. Simple, non-acidic boxes will protect your prints from environmental damage

TRANSPORT

  • Transport prints flat between two sheets of acid-free tissue paper, sandwiched between stiff cardboard cut larger in size than the print to be packed. If prints need to be packed in a tube for mailing or airline flights, use a large diameter tube so that the print won't be rolled too tightly. Sandwich the print between two sheets of thick card, which are bigger than the print, and roll them up together. Tape this roll closed to prevent it from opening in the tube

  • If you are packing handmade ceramics away, be sure to use plenty of paper or bubble wrap. Wrap the ceramic in packing paper, then place it in a strong double walled box. Add crumpled packing paper to fill empty spaces in boxes so that items don't move around in transit

  • Framed artworks should be wrapped loosely with bubble wrap. Use frame corner protectors and a box to secure the artwork

RESTORATION

  • If your item becomes damaged, consult with a professional art conservator or restorer for proper restoration

  • Please contact info@morecatstudio.com for referrals to a professional art conservator or restorer

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