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All artworks are sensitive to external factors and this should be taken into consideration when you purchase a painting. Careful handling is essential, to avoid damage to the work whilst in transit - with a canvas work on a stretcher hold the frame at the sides to avoid the weight pulling on the canvas, do not bump the surface as this can misshape the canvas or flake the paint. Works on paper will need to be protected behind glass in a frame; before framing avoid touching the surface as oils from our skin can mark the work.

At NuMasters.com we always package using the correct acid free materials. Work on paper is ready mounted for framing by your local framer.

Light, temperature and humidity are all factors to bear in mind when choosing where to hang your art work - use common sense. Excessive exposure to light can cause colour to fade over a long period of time, especially with delicate watercolours. Direct sunlight or close proximity to artificial lights, especially ultraviolet radiation from fluorescent lights is harmful and with the heat these radiate frame fitted lighting should be avoided. Diffused spotlights at some distance from the work are most effective.

Extremes in temperature will cause the stretcher of a canvas to expand and contract, cracking the paint and eventually causing the canvas to sag. For particularly precious pieces canvasses can be remounted by a good framer onto a stretcher with adjustable joints.

Generally, careful monitoring of the paintings is advisable: A painting in an older house on an outside wall can draw moisture into the back, so check regularly for signs of damp; work placed over a radiator may be adversely affected so keep an eye on it and maybe fit a radiator shelf to help keep the direct flow of heat away from the painting and for obvious reasons avoid hanging works in a steamy area such as a bathroom or kitchen.

Apart from protection from damage, work on paper is mounted behind glass to keep dirt off the surface. If cleaning is needed go to a professional who can advise on what is possible. The smoke from cigarettes, fires and particularly some candles can sit on the surface of a painting, this needs to be dealt with by a restorer so you can enjoy the painting in its true colours. The back of the painting can be cleaned with a soft brush to prevent dust impregnating the canvas and to check that no insects have taken up residence. If tiny holes are seen anywhere on the work contact a professional art restorer immediately.

A little care of your paintings will ensure you can enjoy them for many years to come.