How to care for fine art

Caring for art doesn’t have to be complicated or confusing - but knowing how your piece was made will help you take care of it. We've put together this guide to help you care for your paintings, with extra notes about Wendy's paintings and the materials she uses to help you keep your collection looking beautiful for years to come.

1. Why the surface matters when hanging your art

What’s underneath the paint matters just as much as the paint itself. The surface affects how your artwork handles light, humidity, and even everyday touches. Knowing this helps you pick the perfect spot to keep it safe and looking beautiful.

Here are the main surfaces that Wendy works with and tips for where to hang them:

Canvas

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Canvas is the main surface Wendy use for many of her works. It’s flexible and lightweight, which makes it easy to hang and move.

Over time, canvas can loosen if exposed to humidity or extreme temperature changes.

Care tip for canvas paintings: Display your canvas paintings in a stable environment to maintain their shape and tension. Avoid areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms, and keep them away from direct heat sources. For example, don’t hang a painting above a heat register or in a spot that receives strong, direct sunlight.

Cradled Birch Panel

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Cradled birch panels are wooden surfaces with a sturdy frame (or “cradle”) on the back, giving them strength and stability. They’re durable and resist warping, but because they’re wood, they’re also sensitive to moisture.

Wendy started using birch panels in 2019, and they’ve become one of her preferred surfaces for their clean, modern look and longevity.

Care tip for birch panel paintings: To keep these paintings in excellent condition, avoid hanging them in damp areas like bathrooms or kitchens, and keep them away from direct heat sources. For example, don’t hang a panel above a fireplace or near a heat vent, and avoid strong, direct sunlight to prevent warping or fading.

Canvas Board

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Canvas boards combine the texture of canvas with the rigidity of a board, making them less prone to loosening but still sensitive to moisture and heat.

Care tip for works on canvas board: Display these works in a dry, stable environment, away from high-humidity areas like car washes and swim up bars (also bathrooms please!) Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources (fireplaces or vents) to keep the canvas board from warping and the paint surface vibrant.

Paper

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Paper is the most delicate surface. It should always be framed behind glass to prevent fading and damage.

Care tip for works on paper: Works on paper are the most delicate and need extra protection. Always frame them behind glass to prevent fading and damage. The ideal glass is UV-protective. Avoid hanging these works in damp spaces or areas with fluctuating temperatures, and keep them out of direct sunlight for long-term preservation.

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2. Everyday care (and tips for older works)

Your artwork loves a stable environment. Here’s what matters most:

• Avoid heat and moisture: Bathrooms, kitchens, and spots above fireplaces or heat vents can warp panels and loosen canvas.

  
  

• Keep out of direct sunlight: Sunlight fades pigments over time (even with protective finishes.) If your space is bright, consider UV-protective glass.

  
  

• Dust gently: Dust happens, but don’t grab a cloth or cleaning spray. Use a soft, dry brush (a clean makeup brush works great!) to sweep away dust. Never use water or chemicals as they can damage the paint surface.

  
  

Extra care for Wendy's early paintings (2016 – 2025):

• These pieces were not glazed, so they need a little more attention

  
  

• Some works from 2020 – 2022 include charcoal or conte details that weren’t stabilized. Avoid touching the surface, as these areas are delicate.

3. What’s New in 2026

Starting in 2026, Wendy's paintings on canvas, panel, and canvas board will be glazed for added protection and depth. Glazing creates a subtle sheen, enriches colour, and adds a protective layer.

Any charcoal layers will be stabilized before glazing, making these works more durable for collectors.

This means newer pieces will be easier to care for and more resistant to environmental changes.

4. When in doubt . . . just ask!

If you’re unsure about cleaning, framing, or displaying a piece, or anything else, then please send us a message. We're always happy to help!

Art is meant to be enjoyed, and with a little care, your collection will stay beautiful for generations. Whether you’re just starting your collection or adding to it, these simple steps will help you protect your investment - and the stories behind each piece.