Safety and care

Security (GPSR)

Each product in the shop www.izabellamueller.com is a unique piece of handmade art, created with Collectors in mind. Products are not toys. Keep out of the reach of children.

DATA: Izabella Mueller - ART&DESIGN Izabella Mueller - Długa 39, 87-134 Rozgarty
CONTACT: [email protected] / tel. 570056626

Flammability: Canvas, paper, wooden frames (natural pine wood) and varnishes are flammable materials and should be kept away from open flames / candles.
Chemical safety: The paints and varnishes used in the artwork are stable when dry. Collector's item, not intended for food contact or children's play.
Mounting - Paintings require stable mounting: We recommend mounting on hooks/pins adapted to the type of wall (concrete, plasterboard). For mounting small formats from the RAW FORMS and LES PETITS series, use hooks or pegs with a load capacity of 5kg. Use hooks or pegs with a load capacity of 10kg (or more if a bespoke wooden frame is used) to mount other paintings (formats over 50x50cm). Do not hang works over resting areas if the wall fixing system is not secure.

CARE OF ORIGINAL IMAGES / Conservation of works of art

Daily care

  • Dust: Gentle dusting of paintings is essential. Use a soft brush with natural bristles to remove dust, avoiding touching the surface itself.
  • UNIQUE: rough materials, paper towels and wire cloths, do not use glass liquids, vinegar or other chemicals. For more serious stains, it is advisable to consult an art conservator. 

Storage and exposure conditions

  • Temperature: Avoid extremes of temperature. Do not hang your painting directly over a radiator, fireplace or near hot air vents. This can lead to cracking of the paint layer or loosening of the canvas on the loom. Avoid areas with high humidity (e.g. small, poorly ventilated bathrooms) to prevent mould growth.
  • Light: avoid hanging paintings in direct sunlight.
  • Ventilation: Leave a few millimetres of space from the wall so that the air can circulate freely.
  • Avoid foil: Do not cover the painting with foil that does not allow air to pass through
  • Do not put anything on top of the painting that could deform it.

Additional guidance

  • Impregnation: Acrylic paintings are waterproof when dry, coated with a special water-based acrylic varnish that further protects the colours from UV and dust.
  • Storage: If you are storing a painting, make sure it is protected from dust (e.g. with a cotton cloth), but without a tight seal, with access to air, and away from moisture. Paintings should be stored in a dry, airy place, in an upright position to avoid deformation.

FINE ART CARE

Fine Art prints are made using archival pigments on acid-free, museum-quality paper. To ensure that it retains its value and appearance for generations (up to 100+ years), please observe the following rules.

1. first contact and unpacking

Straightening: If the print has arrived in a tube, allow it to „rest” laid flat under a load (e.g. clean books at the edges) for 24 hours before binding.
Do not touch the surface with your bare hands: Natural fats and acids on the skin can leave irreversible marks on the paper. Use the following to touch the print white cotton gloves.
Watch out for kinks: Art paper is thick but inflexible. If it is bent too tightly, the fibres can „break” and permanently damage the pigment layer.

2. binding is essential (Recommended) - The best way to look after a print is to put it in a binding as soon as possible:

  • Glass with UV filter: This is the most important protection against colour fading.
  • Passe-partout: It provides the necessary distance between the paper and the glass. Without it, moisture can cause the pigment to stick to the glass.
  • Acid-free materials: Make sure that the back of the frame and the passe-partout are acid-free - this prevents yellowing of the paper.

3. ideal exposure conditions

  • Avoid direct sunlight: Even the best archival inks will degrade when exposed to aggressive UV radiation.
  • Away from moisture: Art paper acts like a sponge. Do not hang prints in bathrooms or kitchens - moisture causes the paper to ripple.
  • Stable temperature: Avoid areas over radiators and in draughts.

4 Cleaning

  • Just air: If dust settles on the print, use a very soft natural bristle brush, applying minimal pressure. Do not wipe the painting with cloths (the pigment may smudge).
  • Prohibition of liquids: Any contact with water or cleaning products will permanently damage the structure of the paper and dilute the pigment.

5. storage (unframed) - if you do not bind the print immediately:

  • Store it flat in an archive folder.
  • Separate each sheet with acid-free parchment paper