Artwork Maintenance & Care Guide

How to protect, clean, store, and recover your artwork in real-world situations

Whether you own a custom pet portrait or a fine art print, a little care goes a long way.

This guide walks you through how to protect your artwork day-to-day, what to do when accidents happen, and when it is time to call a professional.

1. Know What You Own (Start Here)

Different materials require different care. Before you clean, move, or store anything, identify what type of artwork you have.

Common types

• Canvas print (matte or satin)
• Framed print (with glass or acrylic)
• Paper print (unframed)
• Metal print
• Acrylic print

Why this matters

• Water, pressure, heat, and cleaners affect each surface differently.
• The wrong action can cause permanent damage that even professionals cannot fully reverse.

Once you know what you are working with, you can follow the rest of this guide with confidence and avoid well-intentioned mistakes that might shorten the life of your artwork.

2. Optimal Display Conditions (Prevention > Repair)

Light

Light is one of the biggest long-term threats to artwork. Even when you are using high-quality, UV-resistant inks and materials, constant exposure to strong light slowly fades colors and weakens surfaces over time.

• Avoid direct sunlight at all times.
• Use indirect daylight or LED lighting that is UV-free.
• Rule of thumb: if sunlight touches it at any point during the day, move it.

Temperature & humidity

Temperature and humidity quietly shape how your artwork ages. Stable, moderate conditions help keep canvases tight, papers flat, and frames aligned, while extremes can cause warping, mold, and other permanent damage.

Ideal range: 18–24°C (65–75°F), 40–55% humidity.

Avoid:

• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Fireplaces
• Exterior walls

What goes wrong

• High humidity → mold, canvas sagging.
• Dry heat → cracking, warping.

A good rule is to treat your artwork like you would a musical instrument or a favorite piece of furniture: if a room feels damp, stuffy, or overly hot to you, it is probably not the best place for long-term display.

3. Hanging & Mounting (Most Damage Happens Here)

Wall mounting

• Use two hooks for medium and larger sizes to prevent tilt and stress.
• Never hang large canvases from a single nail.
• Use wall anchors; drywall alone is often insufficient.

Framed art

• Ensure bumpers on frame corners to allow airflow.
• Never let frames sit completely flush against the wall.

Taking a few extra minutes to hang your artwork correctly prevents the most common accidents: sudden falls, cracked frames, and slowly stretching canvases. Once it is secure, you can enjoy it without worrying every time someone closes a door a little too hard.

4. Routine Cleaning (Dust Is the Enemy)

Dust builds up slowly but can dull colors and, over time, work its way into the surface of your artwork. Gentle, regular cleaning keeps your piece looking fresh without introducing moisture or harsh chemicals.

Canvas prints

Frequency: every 1–2 months.

How to clean

• Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth or soft brush.
• Apply light pressure only.
• Wipe in one direction; do not scrub.

Never use

• Water or damp cloths.
• Cleaning sprays or chemicals.
• Paper towels or rough fabrics.

A quick, gentle dusting session is all your canvas needs. If you ever feel tempted to “deep clean” with liquid cleaners, it is usually a sign to stop and ask a professional for advice instead.

Framed prints (glass or acrylic)

How to clean

• Spray cleaner onto the cloth, never directly onto the glass or acrylic.
• Wipe gently and evenly.
• Dry immediately to avoid streaks or seepage under the frame.

Tip: Acrylic scratches easily - use acrylic-safe cloths only.

If you notice moisture or cleaner seeping under the frame, stop and let everything dry completely. Persistent fogging, streaks, or trapped moisture are good reasons to have the piece opened and checked by a framer.

5. Accident Scenarios & What To Do Immediately

If it gets wet (spills, humidity, leaks)

Do this immediately

• Lay the artwork flat on a clean, dry surface.
• Air-dry at room temperature.
• Use a fan indirectly if needed (no heat).

Do not

• Use a hair dryer or heater.
• Stack items on top of the artwork.
• Wipe or rub the surface while it is wet.

After the piece is completely dry, reassess it in good light. Minor ripples or slight waviness may relax over time, but visible stains, flaking, or surface changes are signs to contact a professional before the damage spreads.

If it falls or gets bent

• Do not attempt to flatten deep creases yourself.
• Remove the artwork from the frame carefully if the frame is damaged.
• Consult a professional if you see cracks, tears, or severe warping.

Light bends in a frame or backing can sometimes be corrected, but once the print surface itself is creased or cracked, home fixes often make things worse. When in doubt, pause and get expert advice before trying to “smooth it out.”

If mold or mildew appears

• Isolate the artwork immediately from other pieces.
• Do not brush, wipe, or vacuum the surface.
• Contact a professional conservator as soon as possible.

Health note: mold spores are hazardous - handle with care and avoid breathing close to the surface.

6. Long-Term Storage (Moving, Renovations, Off-Season)

Short-term storage (weeks-months)

• Wrap artwork in acid-free paper.
• Store vertically, never flat in stacks.
• Keep in a climate-controlled room away from exterior walls.

Long-term storage (months-years)

• Use archival sleeves, folders, or boxes sized to the artwork.
• Add silica gel packets to help control moisture.
• Check the condition every 6 months.

Never store

• In basements or crawl spaces.
• In attics or garages.
• In plastic wrap directly against the artwork.

A little planning goes a long way. Treat stored artwork like something you intend to display again: keep it labeled, upright, and easy to access so you can check on it periodically instead of forgetting it in a damp corner.

7. Transporting Artwork Safely

Small to medium pieces

• Place rigid cardboard on both the front and back.
• Wrap with bubble wrap facing outward only (smooth side toward the artwork).
• Keep pieces vertical during transport.

Large canvases

• Use corner protectors to shield vulnerable edges.
• Add foam board backing for extra rigidity.
• Transport inside the vehicle interior only - avoid trunk heat or extreme cold.

Before you drive off, make sure nothing can slide into or press against the artwork. A few extra layers of protection and a snug, upright position can be the difference between a safe arrival and a dented frame.

8. Pets, Kids, and Daily Life

Pets

• Keep artwork above tail height to avoid accidental bumps.
• Avoid hanging near litter boxes, feeding areas, or favorite scratching spots.

Children

• Use shatter-resistant acrylic instead of glass where possible.
• Secure frames with wall safety hooks or anti-tip hardware.

The goal is not to make your home feel like a gallery - just to place artwork where it can be enjoyed without becoming a target for wagging tails, curious hands, or flying toys.

9. When to Seek Professional Help

Contact a conservator or professional framer if you notice:

• Cracking paint or print surface.
• Mold, mildew, or strong musty odors.
• Water stains that do not fade after careful drying.
• Warping, buckling, or separation from the frame or backing.

Cost note: early intervention is dramatically cheaper than full restoration and often leads to better results.

10. Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Safe

Keep these habits in mind for everyday care:

• Microfiber cloth or soft brush.
• Indirect LED light.
• Stable, climate-controlled rooms.

Unsafe

• Water or steam.
• Harsh chemicals or glass cleaners on canvas or paper.
• Direct sun or heat sources (radiators, fireplaces, heaters).

With a bit of awareness and a few good habits, your artwork can stay vibrant and structurally sound for many years. If you ever have questions about caring for a specific piece from Art in a Sec, we are always happy to help.