Caring for and hanging your new oil portrait

Sindy's portraits can be supplied either framed or unframed, so you can choose what suits your space and budget, or match an existing frame you already have. Let her know your preference when you commission your portrait, and she'll talk through the options and any timing it adds.

Unpack your portrait somewhere flat and clear, and handle it by the edges or the frame rather than the painted surface, which can stay slightly soft to the touch for longer than you'd expect with oil paint. Keep any packaging until you're confident the portrait has settled into your home without any issues.

Avoid direct sunlight, which fades oil paint over time, and keep the portrait away from radiators, fireplaces and other heat sources, which can dry and crack the paint or warp a wooden frame. A spot with stable temperature and humidity, out of direct sun, keeps a portrait looking its best for decades.

Height and placement

As a general rule of thumb, the centre of a portrait looks best at roughly eye level, around 145 to 155cm from the floor to the centre of the piece for most households. In a hallway or stairwell, slightly higher often works better.

• Dust gently with a soft, dry brush or a clean, dry microfibre cloth. Never use water, glass cleaner, or any household cleaning products on an oil painting.
• Avoid touching the painted surface directly where possible. Oils and moisture from skin can affect the paint over many years.
• Keep the painting away from damp or humid rooms, such as bathrooms, where moisture can affect both canvas and frame.
• If the painting is unframed, consider having it framed eventually for extra protection from dust and knocks.

If you need to move or store your portrait, wrap it in acid-free tissue or a clean cotton sheet rather than plastic, which can trap moisture against the surface. Store it upright rather than flat, somewhere dry and away from extreme temperatures, and avoid leaning anything against the painted face.

Every portrait and frame is a little different, so if you're ever unsure about the best way to care for or hang yours, Sindy is happy to advise.