Displaying and Preserving Your Quilled Artwork: Practical Tips

Displaying and Preserving Your Quilled Artwork: Practical Tips

Quilled artwork, with its intricate designs and delicate paper construction, requires special care to ensure its beauty and longevity. Proper display and preservation techniques are essential to protect your creations from damage caused by dust, moisture, light, and physical handling. This guide provides practical tips for framing, storing, cleaning, and displaying your quilled artwork, allowing you to enjoy your creations for years to come.

Framing Your Quilled Artwork

Framing is one of the best ways to protect and display your quilled artwork. It provides a physical barrier against dust, moisture, and accidental damage. Here's how to frame your quilled pieces effectively:

Choose the Right Frame: Select a frame that complements your artwork and provides adequate space. Shadow box frames are ideal because they offer depth to accommodate the three-dimensional nature of quilling. Ensure the frame is sturdy and well-constructed.
Consider the Matting: Use acid-free matting to create a buffer between the artwork and the glass. This prevents the paper from sticking to the glass over time, which can cause damage. Choose a mat colour that enhances the artwork without overpowering it.
Opt for UV-Protective Glass or Acrylic: UV rays can fade and damage paper over time. Using UV-protective glass or acrylic will help shield your quilled artwork from harmful light exposure. Acrylic is also a lighter and more shatter-resistant option, making it a safer choice for larger pieces or areas with high traffic.
Secure the Artwork: Use acid-free adhesive or archival tape to gently secure the quilled piece to the backing board. Avoid using strong adhesives that could damage the paper. Ensure the artwork is centred and aligned properly within the frame.
Seal the Frame: Once the artwork is framed, seal the back of the frame with archival tape to prevent dust and insects from entering. This creates an extra layer of protection for your quilled creation. You can find a variety of archival tapes at art supply stores or online.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Framing

Using Regular Glass: Regular glass offers no UV protection, leaving your artwork vulnerable to fading and damage.
Ignoring Acid-Free Materials: Using acidic materials like regular matting or tape can cause the paper to yellow and deteriorate over time.
Overcrowding the Frame: Ensure there is enough space between the artwork and the glass to prevent the quilling from being compressed or damaged.
Using Strong Adhesives: Strong adhesives can damage the delicate paper fibres of your quilled artwork. Always use acid-free and archival-safe adhesives.

Protecting Quilling from Dust and Moisture

Dust and moisture are two of the biggest threats to quilled artwork. Here's how to protect your creations from these elements:

Regular Dusting: Gently dust your framed quilled artwork regularly using a soft brush or a can of compressed air. Avoid using a damp cloth, as moisture can damage the paper. For unframed pieces, use a very soft brush to carefully remove dust particles. Consider what Quilling offers in terms of protective coatings that can help repel dust.
Humidity Control: Keep your quilled artwork in a dry environment with stable humidity levels. Avoid displaying or storing your creations in bathrooms, kitchens, or other areas with high humidity. A dehumidifier can help maintain optimal humidity levels in your home.
Protective Sprays: Consider using a protective spray specifically designed for paper crafts. These sprays can create a barrier against moisture and UV rays without altering the appearance of the artwork. Always test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't cause any discolouration or damage.
Enclosed Display Cases: For particularly delicate or valuable pieces, consider displaying them in enclosed display cases. These cases provide a physical barrier against dust, moisture, and other environmental factors.

Dealing with Existing Moisture Damage

If your quilled artwork has already been exposed to moisture, act quickly to minimise the damage:

• Gently blot away any excess moisture with a clean, dry cloth.

Acid-Free Storage Boxes: Store your quilled artwork in acid-free storage boxes or containers. These boxes will protect the paper from acids that can cause yellowing and deterioration. Look for boxes specifically designed for archival storage.
Individual Wrapping: Wrap each piece of quilled artwork individually in acid-free tissue paper or archival paper. This will prevent the pieces from scratching or rubbing against each other during storage.
Flat Storage: Store your quilled artwork flat whenever possible. This will prevent the paper from bending or warping. If you must store pieces vertically, ensure they are properly supported to prevent them from sagging.
Cool, Dark, and Dry Place: Store your storage boxes in a cool, dark, and dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. A closet or storage room is often a good option. Avoid storing artwork in attics or basements, as these areas are often subject to temperature and humidity fluctuations.
Avoid Overcrowding: Do not overcrowd the storage boxes, as this can put pressure on the quilled artwork and cause damage. Ensure there is enough space between each piece to prevent them from being crushed or distorted.

Cleaning Quilled Artwork

Cleaning quilled artwork requires a delicate touch to avoid damaging the intricate paper designs. Here's how to clean your creations safely:

Soft Brush or Compressed Air: Use a soft brush or a can of compressed air to gently remove dust and debris from the surface of the artwork. Hold the can of compressed air at a distance to avoid damaging the paper.
Microfibre Cloth: For framed pieces, you can use a microfibre cloth to gently wipe the glass or acrylic. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the surface.
Spot Cleaning: If you need to spot clean a specific area, use a slightly damp cotton swab to gently blot the stain. Avoid rubbing the area, as this can damage the paper. Allow the area to air dry completely.
Professional Cleaning: For valuable or delicate pieces, consider hiring a professional conservator to clean the artwork. They have the expertise and tools to safely clean and restore quilled creations. You can learn more about Quilling and our recommendations for conservation specialists.

What NOT to Do When Cleaning

Never use water directly on the paper. Water can cause the paper to warp, shrink, or discolour.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. These can damage the delicate paper fibres.
Do not rub the artwork vigorously. This can cause the paper to tear or become distorted.

Choosing the Right Display Location

The location where you display your quilled artwork can significantly impact its longevity. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a display location:

Avoid Direct Sunlight: Direct sunlight can fade and damage paper over time. Choose a location away from direct sunlight or use UV-protective glass or acrylic to shield the artwork.
Control Humidity Levels: Avoid displaying your quilled artwork in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens. High humidity can cause the paper to warp or become mouldy.
Stable Temperature: Choose a location with a stable temperature. Avoid displaying your artwork near heat sources, such as radiators or fireplaces, as extreme temperature fluctuations can damage the paper.
Low Traffic Areas: Display your quilled artwork in low-traffic areas where it is less likely to be accidentally bumped or damaged. Consider frequently asked questions about safe display options.
Secure Mounting: Ensure the artwork is securely mounted to the wall or display surface to prevent it from falling and being damaged.

By following these practical tips, you can ensure that your quilled artwork remains beautiful and well-preserved for many years to come. Remember to handle your creations with care and take the necessary precautions to protect them from dust, moisture, light, and physical damage. With proper care and attention, your quilled artwork will continue to bring joy and beauty to your home for generations.