From the moment your artwork arrives to finding its place at home, we’re here to help. Here’s a simple guide to unpacking, hanging and caring for your new piece.
A clear space and an extra pair of hands make all the difference.
Prepare a safe space. Clear a stable, dry area and lay down a clean, soft covering. Keep children and pets away, and ask someone to help with large, heavy or awkward pieces.
Remove the packaging carefully. Work through the outer tape and packing one layer at a time. Keep blades and scissors well away from the artwork, and check for any handling instructions before lifting it.
Support the piece properly. Support a framed artwork from underneath and at its solid sides. Never lift it by the top edge alone, hanging cord, wire, fittings, glass or decorative details. Avoid touching or pressing on the picture or canvas surface.
Check before you hang. Look over the artwork, frame, glazing and fittings. Keep certificates and care instructions somewhere safe, and retain the packaging while you decide where your piece will live.
If you find damage or broken glass, stop. Don’t continue unpacking or handling an unsafe piece. Contact the gallery for help.
02Hanging safely
Give your art a secure home.
The right wall and fittings matter just as much as the right spot.
Choose the location. Avoid direct sunlight, radiators, fireplaces, damp areas and sudden changes in temperature. Leave enough space so doors and passing people won’t knock the artwork.
Check the weight and wall. Include the frame and glazing when establishing the total weight. Choose fixings rated for that load, your wall construction and the artwork’s hanging fittings.
Check before drilling or driving in fixings. Check the wall’s condition and locate concealed cables and pipes. If you’re unsure what’s behind the wall or which fixings to use, stop and ask a competent professional installer.
Lift and check together. Use help for large, heavy or awkward pieces. Keep supporting the artwork until all its hanging fittings are fully engaged and secure.
For heavy, valuable or unusually shaped work, arrange professional installation.
Which wall fixings?
Picture hooks: use only where the manufacturer confirms they’re suitable for your wall and the artwork’s weight.
Screws and wall plugs: choose a compatible fixing system for the particular masonry, such as brick or concrete.
Plasterboard: use fixings designed for the board and wall construction, or a suitable fixing into structural support. An ordinary screw in plasterboard alone is not enough.
Follow the fixing manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t assume that using two fixings automatically doubles their load capacity.
Cord, D-rings or another hanging system?
Fitted cord or wire: use the hanging arrangement specified for the piece, with suitable wall hooks. Don’t shorten, replace or retie the cord or wire without advice.
Separate D-rings: where the piece is supplied for direct hanging from two D-rings, each ring needs its own correctly positioned wall fixing. Don’t join the rings with cord or wire unless the supplied instructions say to.
Cleats, brackets or other fittings: follow the instructions for that particular system and make sure all parts engage fully.
Never hang from decorative mouldings or substitute unsuitable hooks or adhesive strips. If you’re unsure how your piece should hang, send us a photograph of the fittings before starting.
03Aftercare
Keep it looking its best.
Gentle handling and a stable environment are the best place to start.
Protect it from light, heat and moisture. Keep artwork away from direct sunlight, excess heat, damp and condensation. UV-protective glazing helps, but doesn’t prevent all light damage.
Leave the artwork’s surface alone. Don’t touch or wipe painted, printed or textured surfaces. Never apply water, household sprays, polish or solvents to the artwork.
Care for the frame and glazing separately. A sound, smooth frame can be dusted gently with a clean, soft, dry cloth. Ask us before cleaning delicate or flaking finishes. Follow the instructions for the exact glass or acrylic, and never spray cleaning products directly onto a framed piece.
Check it occasionally. Look for loose fittings, movement, moisture or changes to the frame or surface. If something looks wrong, stop handling or cleaning it and contact us for advice.
For sculptures, follow the supplied handling instructions and support the piece from underneath. Don’t lift by projecting details or assume an attached base can support the whole weight. Care varies by material and finish, so ask us before polishing, waxing or using cleaning products.
04Show it off
We’d love to see it in its new home.
Once you’ve found the perfect spot for your piece, send us a picture. We love seeing how our customers live with their art.
Email your photograph to sales@startlegallery.com or send it to us on WhatsApp. We’ll ask your permission before featuring it in our Home Inspiration sections.
If your artwork arrives damaged, something is missing or you have a question about your delivery, please get in touch.
Damage or the wrong artwork
Check your artwork when it arrives and let us know as soon as possible if the artwork or frame is damaged, or you’ve received the wrong piece. If you see broken glass or anything unsafe, stop unpacking and keep people and pets clear. Keep the packaging where it’s safe to do so, and speak to us before attempting a repair or returning the artwork.
Missing or delayed delivery
Check your delivery message and tracking, if provided. If the tracking says delivered, check with your household and any agreed safe place. If your artwork hasn’t arrived, or part of your order is missing, contact us so we can look into it.
For a change of mind, you have 30 days after receiving your artwork to request a return. Our returns policy sets out the conditions, including original packaging, proof of purchase and return delivery costs. Bespoke and commissioned pieces are excluded from change-of-mind returns, as discussed when ordering. Contact us first to discuss the arrangements.
If your artwork is damaged, faulty or incorrect, contact us using the help section above. Your statutory rights are not affected.
Not sure? Ask us first.
Every artwork is different. If you’re unsure about its fittings, glazing, finish or care, send us a photograph and we can help you find the right advice.
A note on this guide This is general guidance. Follow the instructions supplied for your particular artwork, frame and fittings. Wall construction, artwork weight and installation conditions vary, so this guide cannot confirm that a particular fixing or location is safe. If in doubt, use a competent professional installer. Nothing in this guide limits your statutory rights.
