Frequently Asked Questions: Caring for Your Original Oil Painting

Congratulations on owning an original oil painting. With a few simple precautions, you can help preserve your work for years to come. The guidance below is general in nature; for specific concerns about a particular work, always consult a professional conservator.

Can I clean my oil painting at home?

Light surface dusting is the only cleaning safely carried out at home. Use a clean, dry, very soft brush (such as a wide, natural-bristle brush or a clean make-up brush) and work gently across the surface in one direction. Do not apply any pressure, and never use cloths, feather dusters, or household cleaning products as these can scratch, smear, or chemically damage the paint layer. For anything beyond light dusting  including removing grime, yellowed varnish, or any staining please contact a professional conservator.

Where is the best place to hang or display my painting?

Choose a location that avoids the following:

  • Direct sunlight or strong UV light: causes fading and can crack paint over time. If natural light is unavoidable, UV-filtering glazing or film can help.
  • Direct heat sources: radiators, fireplaces, and heating vents cause the canvas and paint to expand and contract, which can lead to cracking or flaking.
  • High or fluctuating humidity: bathrooms, kitchens, and poorly ventilated spaces expose the canvas and wooden stretcher to moisture damage. Aim for a stable relative humidity of roughly 45–55%.
  • Exterior walls in cold climates: condensation behind the frame can introduce damp.

A stable indoor environment with consistent temperature and moderate humidity is ideal.

Does glazing (glass or acrylic) protect an oil painting?

Oil paintings are not traditionally glazed, as the paint surface needs to breathe and glass sitting directly against impasto (textured) brushwork can cause damage. However, if you choose to frame your work behind glass or acrylic for added protection (for example in a high-traffic area), ensure there is adequate space between the glazing and the paint surface using a deep rebate or spacers, and opt for UV-filtering glazing where possible. Discuss framing options with a professional framer experienced in fine art.

How should I handle my painting?

  • Always handle with clean, dry hands or clean cotton gloves.
  • Support the painting from beneath and along the sides and never grip the canvas from the front or place fingers on the painted surface.
  • Avoid touching the paint layer directly, even on areas that appear dry as oil paint can remain sensitive for years after completion.
  • When moving the work, keep it upright and avoid stacking paintings face-to-face without protective padding.

What is the difference between caring for a framed versus an unframed painting?

Framed paintings: The frame offers some physical protection to the edges and can be dusted separately. Check periodically that the hanging hardware and wire or cord are secure and in good condition. Avoid hanging with a single nail if the work is heavy; use appropriate wall fixings rated for the weight.

Unframed or stretcher-mounted paintings: The edges and back of the canvas are exposed. Ensure the back of the canvas is not pressed against the wall as this traps moisture and can lead to mould or canvas deterioration. A small bumper or spacer on the lower corners of the frame (or stretcher) keeps air circulating behind the work.

When should I contact a professional conservator?

Contact a qualified conservator if you notice any of the following:

  • Flaking, lifting, or loss of paint
  • Cracking that appears to be new or is worsening
  • Mould, foxing, or discolouration
  • Canvas tears, punctures, or severe denting
  • Yellowed or discoloured varnish that obscures the image
  • Any damage following an accident, flood, or fire

Early intervention by a conservator is always preferable to waiting. In the UK, you can search for accredited conservators through the Institute of Conservation (ICON).

Further information

For details on how your painting is packed and shipped to you, please see our Shipping Policy. If your work arrives damaged, please refer to our Refund Policy for next steps.

If you have a question not covered here, please get in touch we are always happy to help.

About Gilt Atelier

Gilt Atelier is a quiet studio of a vintage inspired oil painter based in Dorset, England. Surrounded by rolling hills, winding country lanes, wild hedgerows and the soft light of the nearby sea – this landscape shapes everything I create. With all the long walks through the fields and woodland, away from the hustle of the city and into the hush of the countryside – my art feels like a cosy escape. I carry with me a love of old historic things with stories and journeys of their own and frame my artwork in its history.

I strive to paint intuitively, guided by my own feelings as much as by form. Each piece is created with care, patience and heart, with the intention that it becomes more than simple decor. My wish is that every painting of mine that lives in your home will become a small heirloom, something you can return to, take comfort in and treasure through the years.

All original works are presented in carefully sourced antique frames, selected to echo the spirit of each painting and carry a sense of history and permanence. They are designed to be lived with, loved deeply and one day passed down as quiet companions in your home, holding light and meaning no matter how the seasons change.

With love,

Rachel x