First things first - How to care for your Art

You've just bought your first piece of Fornasetti design from Milk Concept Boutique (or your next piece, or you've been buying pieces for a very long time) but, you have no idea how it is made and even less idea on how to take care of it in order to increase its value.

What's the difference between Ceramic and Porcelain anyway?

Ceramic is made primarily of clay mixed with various minerals and water and art works are created by a variety of techniques such as the molding, coiling and burning of clay. The piece is then processed with heat to dry it and re align its crystalline structure.

The primary ingredient in the composition of a true porcelain art work is finely ground sand. Unlike ceramic, processing of porcelain art works involves pressure and extremely high temperatures. The end result is a very dense, glass like material with a tiny water absorption rate.

Handling and Moving your Art works

• Carry one at a time
• Never carry by handles, rims or spouts
• Try to keep them as much as possible in the boxes when moving them

Displaying your Art

• Keep porcelain out of direct sunlight as this will cause colours to fade
• display on secure level surfaces

Storing your Art

• When not on display, keep covered, wrapped or enclosed in acid free tissue paper or, in an enclosed glass cabinet
• store, if necessary, in sturdy acid free cardboard boxes (chances are, the boxes in which they were sold to you are perfect)
• avoid use of newspapers, as they leave inky stains

Cleaning your Art

• Best to keep it away from sources of dirt and dust in the first place and, to avoid washing them or cleaning too often as this increases the risk of breakage
• the easiest way is with a small soft bristled brush - a make up brush or an artist's paint brush maybe
• if using water, use warm water and a soft cloth
• never use bleach or any sting cleaner as they are almost certain to cause permanent damage

Don't forget to Insure your Art

• Really. Start looking into this now.
• Collectible items may need special insurance protection

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