Framing & Caring for Art in Tropical Climates

Nigeria's climate is beautiful for people, but it can be demanding for artwork. High humidity, strong sunlight and dust all affect canvas and paper over time. The good news is that a few simple habits will keep your art looking its best for decades.

Humidity: the quiet enemy

Canvas and paper absorb moisture. In humid months this can cause canvas to slacken, paper to ripple and, in the worst cases, mould to appear.

• Avoid hanging art in bathrooms, kitchens or against exterior walls that get damp.
• Keep air moving with fans or air conditioning, and leave a small gap between the artwork and the wall.
• If a room smells musty, it is too damp for valuable work.

Sunlight and fading

Direct sun is the fastest way to fade colour. Even archival inks and good paints will soften under years of strong light.

• Hang art on walls that do not receive direct sunlight through the day.
• Consider UV-filtering glazing for works on paper.
• Rotate pieces occasionally if a room is very bright.

Why stretching and framing matter

A properly stretched canvas sits taut on a wooden chassis, which helps it resist sagging and warping. A frame adds rigidity, protects edges and makes handling safer.

For prints in our store, you can choose the Stretched & Framed Chassis add-on for a flat ₦25,000. Your print will be mounted on a wooden chassis and shipped ready to hang, rather than rolled in a tube. If you choose a rolled print, have it stretched or framed by a trusted local framer soon after delivery.

Everyday care

• Dust gently with a soft, dry brush — never use water or cleaning sprays on a painted surface.
• Handle canvases by the frame or stretcher bars, not the painted face.
• Use two hooks for larger works so they hang level and secure.

A little attention goes a long way. Look after your art and it will look after your home.

Find a piece ready for your wall in the shop.