Care & Framing

Your unframed portrait is fragile and requires delicate handling.

Please have your artwork professionally framed immediately.

Don’t

  • Most Importantly: Please never touch the surface of the painting. It will smudge.

  • Never “knock” the painting. This will cause pastel pigment to fall and create a dirty appearance over the artwork.

  • Please do not spray any fixative over the painting. There are no fixatives used on this painting. Fixative will darken and change the artwork appearance.

  • Please do not hang your artwork in direct/bright sunlight, this will fade the color.

Do:

  • Keep the portrait covered with the Glassine paper that is taped over the top. This will prevent fingers, sneezes, and dust contacting the painting before framing.

  • Ensure your framer is familiar with Pastel Artwork. Ensure they frame with GLASS.
    No plexiglass or acrylic; these create static which will pull the pigment off the painting.

  • Ensure your framer mounts the portrait when framing to prevent the artwork from touching the glass. Pastel particles will stick to the glass if they touch. A double mat is the safest bet, but not necessary— ask your framer about a reverse bevel to prevent pastel dust falling onto the mat.

Choosing a Frame

The best and most recommended option is to go to a framer— this is a piece of art you plan on cherishing forever, so I strongly suggest this option. You will get expert advice on the best type and size of frame to use, and your framer can guide you on how to best preserve your portrait. You will usually then need to leave the pet portrait with the framer for several days while it is framed.

Mounting

The mount (also called mat) helps to protect the picture or artwork from damage by keeping it away from the frame’s glass. This can prevent smudging, scratching, or sticking. It’s important to use high-quality, acid-free and archival quality materials for mounting a picture. These will ensure the paper and picture remains in good condition for years to come, and don’t discolor over time.

Fixatives

Some framers may suggest using a fixative in order to prevent the pastels from smudging. DO NOT use a fixative. Fixatives can cause discoloration to the Pastelmat and pastels. As long as the pet portrait is matted in a frame, this will be sufficient in preventing smudges.

Tape

As a final step in framing your picture, it is good practice to seal up the back of the frame with acid-free mounting tape so that no dust, smoke, or insects can get in.