Art collectors are often shocked and angered when the value of their artwork has decreased in value due to poor treatment and maintenance.
I see artwork that has mold and lost half of the color due to fading.
When you mention it to the selling collector, they become indignant and tell you that nothing is wrong.
Below is a list of common issues that will decrease the value of artwork: Backing Occasionally I get calls from a collector who has a print that has tears or punctures.
The only solution is to have the print "backed".
Backing is a process a conservator uses to stabilize the paper by adding another piece of paper using adhesive to the back of the print.
I've seen many backed prints that look very good from the front.
Often you can't tell if a print has been backed if it's framed.
Although backing improves the "look" of the print, it also significantly lowers the value.
This point is often moot since a damaged print already has a lower value compared to one in mint condition.
Fading Screenprints often fade.
Hanging screenprints in the sun will make your screenprint lose value daily.
The main factors of fading are: 1) The colors become drab.
2) The signature can just fade away.
3) If the mat covers the perimeter edge, the covered area will be a different color.
Conservationists may or may not be able to repair fading damage.
Poor Framing By all means, buy an expensive piece of art and then spend as little as possible on the frame.
Use an inexperienced "cheap" framer and expedite the devaluation of your prized artwork.
Edges can be crimped and dented.
Scuffing can occur around the perimeter.
Backing that is not acid-free will cause the print to become brown and if left long enough, it can turn dry and brittle.
Actually there are too many possibilities related to framing to list.
Ship your artwork poorly packed.
Do I really need to expound on this? If you are lucky, you might ship on a Friday and have your beloved asset sit in the rain for the weekend.
If you are even luckier, you might have the shipper run over it with a forklift.
Ship artwork framed with glass.
Shipping artwork that has been framed with glass almost guarantees that if it's broken in transit, it will scrape off the paint or screenprint ink and puncture the canvas or paper.
Storage By all means, if you live in a humid area, store your artwork in an un-airconditioned basement or garage.
It is amazing how quickly mold can begin to deteriorate the canvas or paper.
If you live in a very hot area, storing the artwork in an attic or garage will cause the paper or canvas to become dry and brittle.
What else can harm artwork? Pets, children, chemicals, lawnmowers, and sharp objects.
For more information on how you can maintain the beauty of your beloved artwork please contact me at HenryOnPopArt@gmail.
com.