Why is it important to maintain wall painting and patina?
Factors threatening the health of wall paintings and patina
- Moisture: Especially in areas like Gilan and the north of the country, humidity is the biggest enemy of the walls. The penetration of moisture can cause color fading and mold growth.
- Direct sunlight (UV): Ultraviolet rays can break the chemical bonds of the pigment and cause discoloration.
- Dust and soot: Airborne particles that contain grease settle on the patina tissues and over time create a dark, sticky layer.
- Physical wear and tear: The impact of furniture, dragging of sharp objects and continuous handling can damage the surface.
Basic principles of cleaning: proper dusting
- Appropriate tools: Never use rough or lint-free wipes. The best tools are soft brushes (such as large, clean painting brushes) or soft, dry microfiber cloths.
- Dusting method: The movement of the hand should be very gentle and from top to bottom. For patinas that have a prominent texture (Texture), using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush head and with very low suction (in the case that the head does not have direct and pressing contact with the wall) can remove the dust inside the grooves.
Washing and wet cleaning: dos and don'ts
1. Sensitivity test
2. Suitable detergent solution
3. Napkin drawing technique
Specialized maintenance of gold leaf patina
- Abrasion Prohibition: Never pull hard on the gold parts. Abrasion can scratch the thin layer of gold and reveal the underlying work.
- Avoid Chemicals: Glass cleaners or all-purpose cleaners can cause sheet metal to blacken or oxidize. To clean the gold leaf, use only a dry cloth or, if necessary, a damp cloth with pure water.
The role of varnish and protective layer in maintenance
- Creating a waterproof layer for washing.
- Filtering UV rays to prevent color fading.
- Unifying the glossiness or matting of the work.
- Protection against surface scratches.
Control of environmental conditions (temperature and light)
- Sunlight management: If your mural faces a south window and is exposed to direct sunlight for many hours, be sure to use thick curtains or UV-filtered glass. Heat and sunlight will cause the paint to expand and contract and eventually crack.
- Ventilation: In humid environments (such as master bathrooms or pools) where murals are painted, ventilation is critical. Accumulation of water vapor can penetrate the underlying layers. Make sure ventilation fans are working properly.
Restoration and reconstruction: when to call a specialist?
The effect of basic infrastructure on durability and maintenance
Periodical checklist for wall painting and patina maintenance
- Weekly: Dusting the surface with a manual lint remover or soft dry cloth.
- Monthly: Close inspection of the wall surface to observe any small cracks, discoloration, or moisture effect.
- Seasonal: Gentle cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap and water solution (if needed).
- Annual: Consultation with the experts of Maral Youssef Art Group. Shelter to check the state of the varnish layer and renew the protective layer if needed.
Avoid common maintenance mistakes
- Installing a sign or a clock on the painting: Drilling holes in the mural to install an accessory destroys the integrity of the work and opens a way for moisture and air to penetrate under the paint layer.
- Gluing tape: Never glue the patina or mural for temporary decorations (such as a birthday party). When removing the glue, the layer of gold foil or paint may come off.
- Placing the heat source near the wall: The heater or heater should not be attached to the painted wall. Direct heat causes excessive drying, color change and burning of the varnish.
Why is Maral Yusef Panah Art Group your best consultant?
- Using first-class acrylic and oil paints that are completely washable.
- Executing multiple protective layers according to the use of the space (for example, thicker layers for corridors and lobbies).
- Providing written and verbal instructions for the maintenance of the same specific project to the client.
