A Mithila painting is not just art — it's a living piece of cultural heritage. With the right care, it will remain as vibrant decades from now as the day it arrived at your door.
Framing
The single most important thing you can do for a Mithila painting is to frame it under UV-protective glass. Natural pigments — turmeric, indigo, and flower extracts — are sensitive to direct sunlight. UV glass blocks up to 99% of UV radiation, protecting colours from fading.
What to avoid:
- Regular glass (no UV protection)
- Direct contact between the painting and the glass
- Acidic matboards — always use acid-free mats
If your painting arrived rolled, let it rest flat for 24–48 hours before framing. Place it between two clean boards with a light weight on top. Never force a rolled painting flat — it may crack.
Hanging
Choose your wall carefully:
- Avoid south-facing walls that receive direct afternoon sun
- Avoid humid areas — bathrooms, kitchens, or walls adjacent to exterior
- Ideal humidity: 45–55% RH (a basic hygrometer costs under ₹500)
Hang away from air conditioning vents — the dry, cool air can cause the paper to contract and warp over time.
Cleaning
Never use water or any liquid cleaner on a Mithila painting.
To remove dust:
- Use a soft, dry brush (a clean make-up brush works perfectly)
- Brush gently from top to bottom in one direction
- Never rub — the pigments sit on the surface and can be disturbed
For framed paintings, clean the glass with a dry or slightly damp cloth — but ensure no moisture reaches the edges where it could seep behind the glass.
Long-Term Storage
If you need to store a painting:
- Roll it loosely around an acid-free tube (never roll tightly)
- Wrap in acid-free tissue paper
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light
- Never store in a plastic bag — paintings need to breathe
Restoring Faded Colours
If colours have faded significantly, do not attempt DIY restoration. Contact us at support@kritira.in — we can connect you with the original artist for professional restoration.
A painting that has been in a family for three generations is worth more than a new one. The patina of age, the slight softening of colours — these are features, not flaws. Care for your painting well, and it will tell your family's story for generations.