I thought it might be good to give some general tips on handling drawings (works on paper) properly. Paper is easily torn, creased or stained and should be handled as little as possible. Use clean hands to handle drawings. Do not touch or drag anything across the surface of a picture. Avoid eating, drinking or smoking near the paper and keep pens and markers away.
Light:
Exposure to light causes colors to fade and the paper to discolor and in some cases become brittle. Light damage cannot be reversed. Avoid hanging art work where it may be exposed to sunlight from windows or skylights. Use curtains, blinds, or shutters in rooms where art work is hung. Consider framing art work behind glass that filters ultraviolet rays.
Moisture:
Paper absorbs moisture quickly. When works on paper are exposed to prolonged periods of high humidity, they are vulnerable to increased rates of chemical damage and mold growth. Foxing (reddish brown spots on the surface of the paper) may become more pronounced. Archival matting, framing and protective enclosures protect works from the effects of increased humidity for short periods of time. Do not store works of art on paper in basements or attics, where temperatures aren't controlled.
Guarding against mold:
1. Keep humidity below 70%
2. Avoid hanging pictures on outside walls of a house, especially if they feel cold or damp.
3. Never frame pictures directly against glass.
4. Dust frames regularly (dust contains a large amount of mold spores).
5. Improve air circulation behind a frame by attaching felt or rubber bumpers to lower corners on the back to keep frame away from the wall.
Heat:
Heat speeds up chemical changes which damage paper. Avoid spotlights and hang works away from radiators or heating ducts.
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