How do you protect an original drawing or painting?

Tips and explanations for anyone who owns a Sewanart piece (or is considering one)

An original artwork is something special. It's handmade, built up layer by layer, and created with full attention. Whether it's a portrait of a loved one, a cherished pet, or a symbolic work full of color, you naturally want it to stay beautiful for a long time.

In this blog, I'll explain how I protect my own drawings and paintings, and I'll give tips on how to store them well at home, so you can enjoy them for years to come.

What exactly is fixing drawings?

Drawings I make with pencil, pastel, or charcoal are fragile. A single smudge or some pressure from a hand can cause damage. That's why I use a fixative: a transparent spray that applies a protective layer over the work.

Benefits of fixative:

• Protects against smudges and stains
  The pigment ‘anchors’ itself in the paper.
• Reduces discoloration due to light or air
  Especially important with prolonged exposure to daylight.
• Makes the work more robust for transport and framing
• Does not affect the appearance
  I use a matte fixative that does not make the work glossy or darker.
• Intermediate fixation during layering
  For some drawings, I also use fixative during the working process to build up layers without smudging.

Please note: fixative is not a magic bullet. An original drawing remains more sensitive than a print or an oil painting. That's why framing is important.

How to best frame a drawing?

An original drawing is best framed behind glass, preferably with a passe-partout (a white cardboard border between the artwork and the glass). Why? The glass protects against dust, moisture, and touch. The passe-partout ensures that the artwork doesn't stick to the glass. It gives the work breathing room, literally and figuratively. And did you know that UV-protective glass offers better protection against discoloration from sunlight?

How do you protect paintings?

My paintings are usually made with acrylic paint on canvas or panel, with oil paint, or a combination of both. Here too, protection is important.

After drying, I apply a varnish layer. This is a type of protective coating that seals the painting. I use a matte or satin varnish that keeps the colors vibrant without gloss. The varnish protects against UV light, dust, scratches, and light moisture.

Where is the best place to hang an artwork?

Whether it's a drawing or a painting: the place where you hang it makes a big difference. In any case, avoid:

• Direct sunlight (fades colors)
• Damp areas like the bathroom
• Above a heater (fluctuating temperature)

Preferably choose:

• A wall without strong sun exposure
• A room with a stable temperature
• Optionally, a place where the work can 'rest' occasionally (not permanently lit)

How do you maintain the artwork?

For drawings behind glass, simply dust the glass with a dry cloth. Paintings can be dusted occasionally with a soft feather duster or dry brush. Do not use cleaning agents.

Finally: feel free to ask

Do you already have a piece of my work hanging and want to know how best to preserve it? Or are you considering commissioning something and want to know what's involved in terms of maintenance?
Feel free to send me a message. I'd be happy to help you.

📩 Read more or commission a memorial portrait?
Visit sewanart.com/blogs/nieuws or send a message via the contact form.