Caring for and Hanging Your Oil Painting — What You Need to Know

A well-maintained oil painting can last for centuries—as evidenced by the works of the Old Masters that still hang in museums today. To ensure your painting retains its full luster for just as long, there are a few simple rules to follow. Here is a complete guide, from hanging to care.

Choosing the right place to hang it

What you should avoid

• Direct sunlight: UV radiation gradually breaks down the pigments over time. Even the highest-quality oil paints will fade over decades if exposed to the sun every day. A painting that receives two hours of direct sunlight in the morning may take on a noticeable yellowish tint in 30 years.
• High humidity: Bathrooms, kitchens (near the stove), basements. Moisture causes the wallpaper to swell, layers of paint may peel away from the surface, and mold may form.
• Direct heat sources: Radiators, fireplaces, range hoods. Heat causes oil-based paint to dry unevenly—which can lead to fine cracks.
• Sudden change in temperature: Front door in winter (a cold draft every time it's opened), sunrooms without air conditioning.
• Smoky rooms: If someone smokes in the room, nicotine builds up on the surface of the painting. Over the years, the painting turns yellow.

Ideal place to hang

• Wall with indirect lighting (no direct sunlight, but a bright room)
• Stable room temperature (18–22°C), humidity 40–60%
• Keep a minimum distance of 50 cm from radiators and heat sources
• Interior walls are better than exterior walls (fewer temperature fluctuations)

Height of the suspension

A common question: at what height should a picture be hung? Professionals follow the "eye-level rule":

The center of the image should be at eye level for a standing person—about 145–155 cm from the floor.

For very large pictures (height >100 cm), this is technically difficult to achieve. In that case, the top of the picture should be about 200 cm from the floor, and the center about 150 cm.

For pictures hung above sofas: Hang them so the bottom edge is 20–30 cm above the top edge of the sofa. Do not hang them directly on the sofa.

Suspension — the right technique

For small pictures (up to 60×80 cm)

A single sturdy wall hook or picture hook (with a weight capacity of 3–5 kg) is sufficient. We deliver every picture with a pre-installed hanging mechanism—usually a wire loop on the back of the picture.

For medium-sized prints (60×80 to 100×140 cm)

Two wall hooks spaced 30–50 cm apart, both attached to sturdy points. This prevents the picture from shifting due to vibrations and ensures it is supported evenly.

For large images (over 100×140 cm)

We recommend using a professional wall rail or at least two heavy-duty hooks (with a load capacity of 15+ kg). For pictures weighing more than 8 kg, you should drill into solid wall surfaces—drywall alone often isn’t strong enough to support them safely.

Tools you'll need

• Drill (for solid walls)
• Spirit level (a digital one works too—important for hanging things straight)
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Appropriate anchors and screws (depending on the type of wall)

Cleaning — What You Can (and Can't) Do

Regular cleaning (every 1–3 months)

The only cleaning step you should do yourself:

1. Take the picture off the wall
2. Using a soft, dry microfiber cloth or a natural-bristle brush Gently dust off
3. Never get it wet! Never use cleaning agents!
4. Hang the picture back up

What you MUST NOT do

• Wipe with a damp cloth: Water can react with oil paint and cause discoloration
• Use cleaning products: Even "mild" cleaners (glass cleaner, furniture polish, etc.) can cause damage over time
• Rub vigorously: may damage the varnish or cause small scratches on the surface
• Dry with a hair dryer: Heat warps the canvas and the paint layer

For heavier soiling

If your picture is visibly soiled (nicotine stains, grease from the kitchen, water spots), take it to a professional restorer. Attempting to clean it yourself with household remedies often causes more damage than the original soiling.

Protection against damage

When moving

When you move the picture (moving, renovating, rehanging):

• Always carry it with both hands, holding the frame or stretcher—never by the wire loop
• Never touch the painted surface directly with your fingers
• For longer shipments: wrap in bubble wrap and pack with plenty of padding
• For extremely large pictures (>140×200 cm): two people should carry them evenly

When renovating

Before painting or construction work begins in the room: Remove the painting and store it safely in a dry, dust-free room. Do not lean it against the floor under any circumstances—this can warp the stretcher frame.

Insurance

High-value oil paintings (>CHF 1,500) should be listed as “valuables” in your home insurance policy. Otherwise, in the event of a claim, you will usually only be covered by the standard home insurance lump sum, which does not cover the actual value.

Dealing with minor damage

A small tear in the canvas

Even small tears are no cause for alarm. When a restorer repairs the tear, they stabilize it from the back with a reinforcing mesh and touch up the color on the front. If the work is done well, nothing will be visible.

Scratches in the varnish

Superficial scratches (only through the varnish, not into the paint layer) can be repaired by a restorer by re-varnishing. Do not attempt to repair them yourself.

Discoloration / Yellowing

After 30 to 50 years, the varnish gradually turns yellowish. This is normal and can be fixed—a restorer can remove the old varnish and apply a new one. The painting will then look as good as new again.

Preserving value

An oil painting doesn't necessarily lose value—some works actually become more valuable over time (originality, patina, history). Three factors contribute to this:

• Documenting provenance: Keep the order confirmation and the artist's certificate. This will significantly increase the painting's value if you decide to sell it or have it appraised in the future.
• Record care: If you have an item restored, make sure to document when it was done and by whom. A restoration history increases the item's collectible value.
• Insist on originality: When it comes to repairs, seek advice only from qualified conservators—poor workmanship can permanently damage a painting.

For multiple images: Collection management

If you have several ArtMinded images, it’s worth keeping a little record of them:

• List of all images, including dimensions, date of creation, and artist
• A photo of each item (for insurance and as a keepsake)
• Notes on restoration or cleaning appointments

This list will help you as you expand your collection in the future, with insurance matters, and when you eventually pass it on to the next generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hang the picture outside (on the patio or in a sheltered outdoor area)?

No. Even indoors, temperature fluctuations and humidity levels are too high. Specialized outdoor prints are available for outdoor areas; an oil painting is not suitable for that purpose.

What if the picture hangs slightly crooked—even after you've hung it?

Minor misalignments can be corrected by placing an adhesive dot between the bottom of the frame and the wall. Special picture hangers available from specialty stores also work.

Can I leave the painting in my rental apartment over the summer while I'm away?

At normal room temperature with the curtains or blinds closed: yes. If you will be away for an extended period (>4 weeks) and the painting is facing south, we recommend taking it down and storing it in a shaded area.

Can I store the picture horizontally (lying flat on a table)?

In the short term, yes (days). In the long term (weeks or more), no—the oil paint might “run” slightly. It’s always better to store it standing upright or hanging.

Last recommendation

Treat your oil painting like the valuable work of art it is. In everyday life, this means, above all: don’t handle it too much, dust it off carefully from time to time, hang it properly, and protect it from sunlight. If you’re unsure or if there’s damage, consult a professional. In almost all cases, the additional cost of professional restoration is much lower than the loss in value caused by improper DIY repairs.

If you have any questions about a specific painting or where to hang it, feel free to contact us via the Contact Form. We also provide support after delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clean an oil painting?

Dust gently with a dry, soft brush or a microfiber cloth — never with water, cleaning agents or damp cloths. For heavy soiling, contact a restorer. Cleaning every 6-12 months is entirely sufficient.

Can oil paintings handle direct sun?

No — UV radiation attacks color pigments over time and makes pictures fade. Don't hang the work in direct sunlight. Indirect daylight or room lighting is no problem.

What room temperature and humidity are ideal?

Ideally 18-22 °C at 45-55% relative humidity. Avoid strong fluctuations (open windows in winter right next to the picture, a radiator directly below it, air conditioning). The standard climate of a Swiss living room is usually optimal.

May I hang an oil painting in the bathroom?

We advise against it. High humidity and temperature fluctuations stress the canvas and can lead to cracks over time. If absolutely necessary: a well-ventilated bathroom and the work behind UV/moisture-protection glass.

At what height should an oil painting be hung?

Rule of thumb: center of the picture at eye level (~150 cm from the floor). Above a sofa or furniture: 15-25 cm gap to the furniture. Lower in dining rooms (~140 cm), since viewers are usually seated.

How do I safely hang large or heavy oil paintings?

For works from 60 × 80 cm, always drill into a load-bearing wall or use special drywall anchors. Two hanging points stabilize wide formats. Our picture-hanging service in Switzerland can take care of this on request.