Holiday Art Care: Protecting Artwork During the Christmas Season

While these seasonal traditions bring warmth and celebration, they also introduce conditions that can quietly affect artwork. Changes in temperature, humidity, lighting, and household activity tend to peak during the holidays—and for paintings and framed works, these shifts can accelerate deterioration.

At Fine Art Conservation Laboratories, Inc. (FACL), we frequently hear from clients after the holidays who are searching for art restoration near them because they’ve noticed new cracks, surface changes, or structural movement. In many cases, the damage began weeks earlier during seasonal environmental stress.

Why the Holiday Season Can Be Hard on Artwork

Artwork is made from materials that respond to their environment.

During the Christmas season, multiple stressors often occur at once:

• Indoor heating that dries the air
  
• Decorative lighting that produces localized heat
  
• Candles or fireplaces releasing fine soot
  
• Increased humidity from cooking and gatherings
  
• More movement from furniture rearranging and guests
  

Individually, these changes may seem minor. Together, they can lead to issues that later require painting restoration or professional artwork conservation to stabilize.

Candles, Fireplaces, and Surface Contamination

Candles and fireplaces add warmth and atmosphere, but they also release microscopic soot particles that settle invisibly onto painted surfaces and varnish layers.

Over time, soot accumulation can:

• Dull color saturation
  
• Embed into textured paint
  
• Require specialized cleaning during conservation treatment
  

This is a common issue addressed during artwork conservation evaluations following winter months, particularly when artworks are displayed near heat sources.

Winter Heating and Humidity Fluctuations

In colder months, heating systems significantly lower indoor relative humidity—especially in arid climates like Las Vegas.

Low humidity can cause:

• Canvas to slacken or distort
  
• Paint layers to crack or lift
  
• Wooden supports or frames to warp or split
  

Maintaining stable conditions helps reduce structural stress and minimizes the need for corrective painting restoration later on.

Before hosting:

• Check that hanging hardware is secure and appropriate for the artwork’s weight
  
• Avoid displaying valuable pieces in narrow walkways
  
• Keep food and drinks well away from artwork
  
• Consider temporarily relocating fragile or high-value works
  

Preventive care is a core principle of professional artwork conservation, and these steps can prevent avoidable damage.

Artwork Storage During the Holiday Season

When to Seek Professional Art Restoration

The holiday season often reveals issues that were already developing beneath the surface.

You may want to consult a conservator if you notice:

• New cracking, flaking, or lifting paint
  
• Surface haze or discoloration
  
• Movement in the canvas or frame
  
• Evidence of smoke, heat, or water exposure
  

Many clients begin their search with "art restoration near me", but selecting a lab with museum-level training and experience ensures proper evaluation and ethical treatment.

At Fine Art Conservation Laboratories, Inc., our approach to fine art restoration focuses on stabilization, preservation, and respect for original materials—never unnecessary alteration.

Holiday Awareness, Year-Round Preservation

While the Christmas season brings unique challenges, the habits you practice now support long-term preservation. Thoughtful placement, environmental stability, and early professional assessment help ensure artwork remains intact for future generations.

If you have concerns about a painting or object in your collection, a professional consultation can provide clarity and peace of mind—during the holidays and beyond.

Questions About Your Artwork’s Condition?

If you’re unsure whether a painting is properly framed, supported, or stored, a professional evaluation can help protect it long-term.

👉 Request an artwork consultation with Fine Art Conservation Laboratories, Inc.

Call 702-745-2352