Smoke is one of the great mitigating factors in the health of a piece of art.
Even when a painting, serigraph, lithograph or giclee is framed, great danger remains from the destructive powers of smoke.
The initial contact with smoke may actually be limited; but with time the artwork can become a casualty, damaged by the after-effects that smoke can cause:
The work will often dry out; and with oil painting, flaking and cracking will begin to occur.
With works on paper, the process of foxing and discoloration can begin and accelerate.
Works exposed to smoke must be cleaned carefully by a restorer; and where needed, the paper or canvas or other surfaces must be renewed to ensure the future life of the artwork.
