Hanging an art piece is one of the most exciting feelings for a homeowner. It perks up any living space and makes a home more interesting and inviting.
However, maintaining the quality of an artwork is a different story. Your art piece may look like a literal 'oil painting' now, but without following a proper cleaning process, it may lose its spark through time.
Whether you're buying an artwork as a decoration or an investment piece, knowing how to take care of it will help you maintain its pristine condition for years.
Here are five pro cleaning tips to make sure your wall art looks good as new for years to come.
1. Keep your wall art out of sunlight
Sunlight is the biggest enemy of any wall art. UV rays cause your artwork to fade, and it can damage its surface and lighten the colours through time.
While art museums use fancy illumination systems, keeping your artwork away from the sun doesn't have to be a chore (and a luxury). Try to hang your wall art in shadier areas where sunlight can't penetrate through. You can also use artificial illumination to highlight your favourite art pieces.
Doing so will keep its pristine condition for years to come
2. Dust and Wipe your artwork
Using a soft, lint-free cloth is the best way to take care of your artwork – whether canvas or acrylic. A dry cloth or duster works well to remove surface dust and dirt. If you have smudges and fingerprints, you might need to use a lightly damp cloth to clean the surface.
3. Use a small amount of Glass Cleaner on your Acrylic Wall Art
We usually wouldn’t recommend the use of chemicals, however a small amount of regular glass cleaner and a soft lint-free cloth is great for cleaning your acrylic prints.
- Don’t use a glass cleaner that has alcohol in it
- Don’t apply too much pressure to the surface.
- Apply gentle pressure to the print to clean it.
4. Consider the location of your artwork
It’s aesthetically pleasing to have wall art in your bathroom or kitchen area. If you do choose to put wall art in these rooms, keep the area well ventilated by opening windows or doors after taking a shower or cooking, to allow the moisture to escape. This avoids any lasting damage to your canvas or acrylic wall art.
5. Don't use chemicals or abrasive cleaners
No matter what cleaning process you follow, never use chemicals on your canvas artwork. These products contain substances that can permanently damage your piece. They are also abrasive and can alter colours when used for a longer period of time.
Whether you're an avid collector or just a simple homeowner, taking care of your wall art should always be at the top of your priorities. Remember, your artwork is more than just a decoration. It's an asset that can stay with you for many years.