Caring for an oil painting

Oil paintings are far more robust than people fear. Panels I painted years ago look exactly as they did the day they left the studio, and with a little care yours should outlive us both.

Hang the painting away from direct sunlight and away from sources of moisture — not above a radiator, not in the bathroom. A hallway, study, or living room wall is ideal. Normal household light does no harm.

Dust it occasionally with a soft, dry brush. Never use water, sprays, or cloths with cleaning products; the varnish layer is there to protect the paint, and it does that job best when left alone.

If a painting ever needs more than dusting — after decades, the varnish may yellow slightly — a restorer can remove and renew it. It is a routine procedure, and one of the quiet virtues of oil as a medium.