Artwork care

Cleaning and Dusting

How to Clean and Care for Your Artwork

Originals

Use a dry feather duster to gently dust the front and sides. Avoid touching the surface with your hands or using anything wet. Moisture can damage the paint, smudge ink or graphite, or dimple the canvas. Never rub or wipe.

Prints

Clean prints the same way: gently dust with a feather duster. Avoid cloths, sprays, or any rubbing, as this can damage the image or affect the surface texture, especially on canvas.

Framed Prints Behind Glass

You may clean the glass using a glass cleaner sprayed onto a soft cloth (not directly on the glass). Gently wipe without pressing too hard to prevent moisture from seeping into the frame.

Proper care keeps your artwork vibrant and intact for years to come.

Artwork care

Art, unlike plants, doesn’t thrive in direct sunlight. While natural light can beautifully illuminate a room, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can be harmful to your artwork. Over time, UV rays can cause colors to fade, paper to yellow, and delicate materials like canvas, ink, or mixed media to deteriorate.

To preserve the vibrancy, texture, and integrity of your cherished pieces, it's best to avoid placing them on walls that receive strong, consistent sunlight throughout the day. Even glass frames may not fully protect your artwork unless they include UV-filtering glass or acrylic.

If you love displaying your art in bright spaces, consider these protective tips:

• Use UV-resistant glazing or museum-grade glass

• Rotate your artwork periodically to reduce exposure

• Place works in indirect or filtered light

• Install sheer curtains or UV-blocking window films

Taking these small steps will help ensure your art remains just as striking and meaningful in the years to come as the day you first hung it.

Artwork care

Humidity can silently damage your artwork over time. To protect your pieces, avoid displaying them in areas with high or fluctuating moisture levels, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Canvases stretched on wooden frames are especially sensitive to humidity, which can cause warping, mold, or loose fabric.

If your home has heating and air conditioning and you're not in a very humid climate, your artwork is generally safe. Still, it's wise to:

• Keep art away from steamy or damp areas

• Use a dehumidifier if needed

• Avoid hanging art on poorly insulated exterior walls

Stable humidity helps preserve the integrity and beauty of your art for years to come.