Artwork holds immense value, whether it’s a cherished family portrait, a valuable painting or a sentimental print. Over time, exposure to light, humidity and improper handling can cause irreversible damage, fading or deterioration.

In this guide, we’ll give you expert tips on how to protect artwork from damage and sunlight, so these treasured belongings last for generations.

How to protect artwork: the key takeaways

• Handle unframed pieces with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves to avoid invisible oils and residue damaging surfaces.
• Keep humidity stable, aiming to stay above 40% and below 70%, and avoid heat or moisture “hot spots” like kitchens and fireplaces.
• Store unframed works flat in acid-free portfolios or tissue, in a dark, climate-stable space.
• Frame with archival, acid-free materials and UV-filtering glazing to slow yellowing, fading and deterioration.
• Reduce light exposure by choosing low-light placement, rotating sensitive pieces and using LEDs rather than heat-heavy lighting.

How to protect artwork from damage

1. Handle with clean hands

When handling unframed artwork, it’s crucial to maintain clean hands since natural oils and dirt from your hands can transfer onto the pieces, causing stains and gradual deterioration over time.

To prevent this, always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling unframed pieces or, alternatively, use cotton gloves to minimise direct contact.

2. Monitor humidity levels

Humidity swings do long-term damage because materials like paper, canvas and wood absorb and release moisture. When air gets too dry, they can become brittle and crack. Too damp, and they can swell, warp and become vulnerable to mould.

For protective storage and display conditions, keep relative humidity from dropping below 40% or rising above 70%, and prioritise consistency over chasing a perfect number. Relative humidity below 40% can dry out sensitive materials, while fungal growth becomes a risk at around 70% and above, according to Museums Galleries Scotland.

Temperature matters mainly because it drives humidity changes. A practical target for many collections is around 16–20°C, with moderate fluctuations tolerated if it helps keep RH steady.

Here are practical ways to manage it at home:

• Use a hygrometer to track RH trends, not just spot checks.
• Keep artwork away from bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, fireplaces, radiators and heating units, where local heat and moisture create sharp swings and micro-climates.
• Add a humidifier or dehumidifier when seasonal conditions push RH out of range, and avoid fighting devices against each other.
• If the room is hard to control, create a small buffer by using proper enclosures or other micro-climate approaches for sensitive pieces.

3. Store artwork properly to prevent damage

Improper storage can lead to permanent distortion of your artwork, causing creases, warping and discolouration. To avoid this, store unframed pieces in flat acid-free portfolios or wrap them in acid-free tissue paper and keep them in a dark, dry place. This preserves both the artwork’s structure and colours over time.

For delicate works, carefully place them in protective sleeves or archival folders. For maximum protection, consider custom frames to keep your artwork pristine.

4. Frame with acid-free and archival materials

Using acid-free mats and backing boards prevents yellowing and degradation of your pieces over time. Conservation-grade photo frames provide additional protection against environmental factors.

5. Dust and clean with caution

Dust can accumulate on picture frames and glass, dulling the artwork’s appearance. Always remove dust with a soft, dry microfibre cloth and avoid chemical cleaners that can damage your frames and artwork.

6. Use professional framing services for maximum protection

Consulting professional framing services can significantly enhance the longevity of your artwork through museum-grade conservation techniques and archival materials. Framing experts have the knowledge to recommend the most effective techniques and materials tailored to your specific piece.

How to protect artwork from sunlight: the biggest cause of fading

Museums treat light as a controllable risk factor for a reason: less exposure means slower fading. Both ultraviolet (UV) and visible light carry photons that can trigger chemical reactions in pigments and dyes. These reactions break down the molecular bonds that give colour its vibrancy, a process called photodegradation. Over time, this leads to fading, bleaching, yellowing and even weakening of paper fibres or paint layers.

1. Choose the right spot (light avoidance beats light treatment)

Starting with placement is the most practical step, because it costs nothing and makes the biggest difference.

• Keep artwork out of direct sun and away from skylights.
• Avoid hanging pieces opposite large windows where reflected light intensifies exposure.
• Steer clear of “hot spots” like sunny hallways that cop full-day light.

2. Add UV-filtering glazing (when light is unavoidable)

If the room gets a lot of daylight, glazing is what stands between your artwork and slow, permanent fading. UV-filtering glass or acrylic blocks much of the ultraviolet radiation that speeds up colour loss and material breakdown. It’s a smart upgrade for prints, photographs, watercolours and any piece where the colour comes from dyes rather than heavier, more stable pigments.

3. Control exposure time

Light damage isn’t just about how bright a space is; it’s also about how long the artwork is exposed. Rotate sensitive pieces seasonally, shift favourites into lower-light rooms during summer and treat irreplaceable works as “on display” for set periods rather than forever. Galleries manage collections this way to slow permanent colour change.

4. Rethink indoor lighting (artificial light can still do damage)

Artificial light can still take a toll, especially when artwork sits under it for hours every night. If you haven’t already, swap harsh globes for LEDs and avoid heat-heavy lights aimed directly at the frame, as warmth and intensity speed up deterioration. Keep lights off in unused rooms where possible, because light damage is cumulative, even when it’s subtle.

Turn your artwork into a legacy with Fantastic Framing

Your artwork deserves the best protection with the right care and high-quality photo frames. At Fantastic Framing, our experts assess environmental risks like humidity, light exposure and temperature fluctuations to ensure your pieces stay in pristine condition. We use conservation-grade materials — acid-free mats, UV-protective glass and archival-quality backing boards — to safeguard your artwork from deterioration.

If you’re an artist or photographer, we can also help you take the next step with limited edition printing and professional presentation. Best of all? Our mobile service is completely FREE! Enjoy a personalised assessment of your artwork’s needs right at your home or office. Prefer to visit us? Stop by one of our store locations for expert advice and custom framing solutions. You may also reach out to us for more information.