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How to Care for Your Original Oil Painting - 10 Simple tips

discover how to care for your original oil paintings
In this image - "Tactical Gaze" original painting (coming soon) - available as Wall art

When you purchase an original painting, you're bringing a piece of beauty and emotion into your home. It’s not just artwork, it’s a personal investment that adds value to your space and can be cherished for years to come. Proper care and maintenance will help ensure that your painting stays as vibrant and captivating as the day you first saw it. In this guide, I’ll share easy tips to help you care for your painting, so it continues to bring peace and joy into your life.

1. Handle with Care (Literally!)

Handling your painting the right way is the first step to keeping it safe. Always avoid touching the painted surface directly, as even the natural oils from your fingers can affect it over time. The best way to move or carry your artwork is by holding the sides of the frame with both hands, making sure to support its weight evenly.

For added protection, wear clean cotton gloves when handling the canvas itself. And if your painting has a glass frame, make sure not to press on it—those smudges are a pain to remove, and you don’t want to risk damaging the artwork!

original oil painting Sunrise Opera by Swapnil Nevgi on display in home setting in this example photo
In this image - original oil painting "Sunrise Opera" on display in the house setting 

2. A Quick Clean Goes a Long Way

Like anything in your home, your original painting can collect dust over time. Don’t worry—it’s easy to keep it looking fresh! Use a soft, dry brush (like a clean artist’s brush) or a microfiber cloth to gently dust the surface. The key is to keep it light and avoid using water or cleaning products, which can damage the paint.

If your painting has a frame, you can give that a light wipe down as well. For more delicate or antique frames, though, you might want to reach out to a professional for advice.

3. Storing Your Painting Safely

If you’re not displaying your painting right away, it’s important to store it properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place with a stable temperature and humidity. Avoid storing it in basements or attics, where moisture can cause issues like mold or warping.


To protect your painting, store it upright rather than flat and cover it with a soft cloth or acid-free paper to shield it from dust and scratches.

4. Keep It Out of the Sun

Natural light is beautiful, but too much of it can be harmful to your painting. Direct sunlight can cause the colors to fade over time, especially if your painting is exposed to it daily. If you want to display your painting in a bright space, consider using UV-protective glass or window film to reduce the risk of damage.


It’s also best to avoid fluorescent lighting, as it can emit UV rays that harm your painting. Opt for soft, indirect lighting to keep your artwork looking its best.

original oil painting Le Magnifique by Swapnil Nevgi on display in a home
Original oil painting 'Le Magnifique' of a beautiful horse is shown in this example image

5. Protection with Retouch Varnish

Here at Swapnil Nevgi Fine Art, I add a layer of retouch varnish to all my original paintings. This varnish not only enhances the colors and brings out the best in the artwork, but it also offers a layer of protection from dust and dirt. It’s a great temporary shield that allows the painting to breathe while it fully cures.


After about six to twelve months, you can apply a final varnish for even more protection. This will keep your painting safe and help even out the surface sheen, making it look even more stunning for years to come. I recommend getting this done by a professional, but if you’re comfortable, you can do it yourself using removable varnish.

6. Create the Perfect Environment

A stable environment is another factor that influences the preservation of your painting. Extreme changes in temperature or humidity can cause the canvas to expand and contract, leading to cracks or warping. Ideally, your painting should be kept in a space where the temperature is between 18°C and 21°C, with humidity levels around 40% to 60%.


Be mindful not to place your painting near radiators, fireplaces, or air conditioners, as these can cause damage over time. If possible, use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain the right conditions.


 I completely understand that these conditions may not be easy to be maintained at a reasonable cost of living, so take it only as a suggestion to be followed when and where possible. Don't spend too much money just for that or don't let this stop you from getting the art you love.

Nurturing Mother by Swapnil Nevgi is an original oil painting on display in this home setting example

7. When Things Go Wrong

Accidents happen. If your painting gets damaged, whether it's a tear, chipped paint, or discoloration, it’s best to reach out to a professional art conservator. Trying to fix it yourself could cause more harm than good.


Take photos of the damage and get advice from a specialist who can help restore your painting and preserve its original beauty.

8. Frame It Right

A good frame does more than make your painting look beautiful—it protects it. If you’re framing a new painting, choose one that complements the style but also offers solid protection. If the frame includes glass, make sure it doesn’t touch the painting’s surface. Spacers or mats can help create a safe gap between the artwork and the glass.


When re-framing, be careful not to damage the canvas. If you’re not sure, getting help from a professional framer is always a good idea.

9. Safely Transporting Your Painting

If you need to move or transport your painting, make sure it’s wrapped well for protection. Use acid-free paper to cover the surface and wrap it in bubble wrap for cushioning. A sturdy box or crate is essential for long-distance moves, especially if the painting is large.


For high-value pieces, it’s worth using a professional art transportation service. And don’t forget to insure your painting before shipping, just in case!

Original painting Piggyback Baby by Swapnil Nevgi on display in this example photo

10. Enjoy Your Artwork for a Lifetime

Owning an original oil painting is a joy, and with just a little bit of care, it will stay vibrant for generations. By following these simple steps, your artwork will continue to inspire and delight for years to come.


Remember, I’m always here at Swapnil Nevgi Fine Art to help with any questions about caring for your painting. Your happiness is what matters most, and I want your painting to bring peace and beauty into your life for many years.


Want a custom made original painting?

If you would like a similar wildlife or nature painting in a different size, colours etc, please feel free to use the below link to contact me. I would love to hear from you.

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