Practical Tips For Preserving Your Canvas Prints

If you know how to take care of your canvas prints, you will likely have them with you in good condition for a long time. Canvas prints are durable, and their contents can last for decades without degradation. Thus, they are an ideal medium to preserve memories for years. However, they should not come into contact with elements such as water and dust.

Ensure they continue to protect and showcase your favorite art pieces by learning how to take care of them here. This article will teach you how to keep them clean.

How to Take Care of Your Canvas Prints

Learn the main elements that may damage your canvas prints. Then, know how to keep your prints away from the elements and clean them with the tips below.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Most people love to display their canvas prints in well-lit areas. Doing this brings out their beauty, especially for bold and complex artwork. However, do not hang them in places that receive direct sunlight for long periods.

Sunlight contains UV rays that impact the print colors over time. You will notice that your prints tend to fade and lose their attractiveness over time when under sunlight. The sun also produces lots of heat. This heat degrades the canvas material over time, causing it to peel or become brittle. Most artwork comes with UV-resistant paint but degrades after repeated exposure to direct sunlight.

Keep Away From Moisture

Many canvas prints are water-resistant, meaning they can withstand humid surroundings. This characteristic means you will not have to remove them during the cold seasons. However, a damp environment can damage them. Canvas stretches and becomes loose in a wet climate. Over time, it may require tightening.

Canvas also absorbs water, which may damage some delicate paints used in the prints. So, consider keeping your artwork in a cool, dry place away from excess moisture. Do not hang them in air vents, bathrooms, or cooking areas. Also, avoid cleaning them by washing them with water.

Keep Your Canvas Clean

You can use special cleaning products to maintain your canvas, but you can still keep them clean without them. Instead, you can use various items that you can find at home. Here are some of the options you can use:

Use a Vacuum Cleaner

• Vacuum off your prints to remove any accumulated dust.
• Do not force the tube onto the print to prevent damage.
• Move the tube around to suck any dust in it.

Use a Feather Duster

• Brush the dirt off the surface of the canvas gently with a feather duster.
• Do not scrub the surface too hard, as it can damage it.

Use a Clean, Lint-Free Cloth

• Gently wipe off the canvas with a dry, lint-free cloth to remove all the surface dust.
• Do not rub hard against the surface. It may strip the canvas of its protective qualities, sealing, or ink.
• Do not try to scrub stubborn stains with your cloth.

Remove Stubborn Stains With Mild Chemicals

• Use a cotton swab dipped in spirit, alcohol, or petrol to break down stubborn stains.
• Start by testing a hidden area to see if the chemical affects the artwork.
• Wipe the spot gently until it disappears.
• Use a soft cloth to dry out the places you have cleared with the chemicals.

Use Soap and Water

• Dip your cloth in warm water with mild dishwasher detergent and wring it to remove excess water.
• Wipe the surface of your print with a circular motion without applying too much force.
• Rinse the dirt cloth with warm, distilled water to remove the dirt before reusing it.

Transport Carefully

• While canvas is durable, you can still damage it if you do not handle it carefully. If poorly handled, the surface is prone to staining, scratches, and wear. Consider the following tips when moving it around:
• Be careful and store your canvas prints facing up to prevent loosening. 
• Wash your hands before touching it to avoid staining it with oils or smudges.
• Do not push or poke anything against the surface, as this may cause a strip of the coating or leave a permanent impression on the material. 
• Do not stack too many pieces or place heavy items on top. They can press against the surface and cause it to be dented.

Store With Care

You will not have to clean your canvases regularly if you store them well. Proper storage makes sure they don’t come into contact with elements that might damage them. Below are a few things you should keep in mind when storing your art pieces:

Wrap in Acid-Free Paper

The acid used in making papers may leak out and cause the image on the canvas to get tarnished and yellow. To avoid this, use acid-free paper. This paper is soft and will not cause scratches on the surface. Wrap the entire artwork with it so no part ends exposed to the elements. Combine with the other tips mentioned above to keep the prints safe and clean.

Avoid Airtight Containers

Most people may consider airtight containers to keep water and dust out. Unfortunately, airtight containers may cause long-term damage. Canvas prints need ventilation to avoid moisture buildup and ink breakdown. There may also be condensation inside an airtight container that could cause ink flaking. Airtight containers do not provide a stable environment for the chemicals used in making prints. There may be chemical reactions over time, which may cause discoloration.

Make Repairs in the Long Run

In the long run, you will need to make small fixes to keep the prints in tip-top shape. Due to wear and tear and the impact of the elements, the canvas may loosen, get dented, or crease. Small fixes from time to time ensure that it remains in good shape over a long period.

Tighten Loose Canvas

Canvas sags due to things like higher temperatures, moisture, and natural relaxation. Check your artwork regularly for signs of sagging. If you detect any slack areas, reshape them gently using stretcher bars at the back. You can avoid recurrent sagging by keeping your art away from high humidity. Avoid overstretching the canvas so as not to tear it apart.

Fix Small Dents and Impressions

Even with regular stretching, small dents and impressions may appear. They can occur due to improper storage or accidental damage. You can fix this using a low-heat iron. Place a clean, dry cloth on the creased part and iron it. Alternatively, spray the underside with a steam iron and iron out the dent at low heat. Be gentle as you do it to avoid damaging the art.

FAQs

Do you still have doubts in regards as to how to care for your canvas prints in an effective way? If so, here we have compiled a small section of frequently asked questions to help you on the matter. 

Are Canvas Prints Waterproof?

Canvas prints are not entirely waterproof. However, the materials used in their production can withstand mild moisture exposure. So, it is mildly resistant to moisture damage. Prolonged contact with water or high humidity can damage the print over time. Make sure to keep them in areas with controlled humidity levels. Besides, avoid hanging them in places with high moisture, such as bathrooms or damp basements.

Can You Iron Canvas Prints?

Avoid ironing canvas prints, as the heat from an iron can damage the delicate material and affect the ink used. Direct heat might cause it to warp, discolor, or even erase some artwork. If your canvas print has wrinkles or creases, consider using alternative methods. You may gently roll the print in the opposite direction. If you must use an iron, it should be at low heat.

How Do You Remove Stains From Canvas Prints?

Always remove stains from your canvas prints with caution. It helps avoid damaging the artwork. Start by assessing the stain and possible cause. Then, use a clean, dry cloth and blot it without rubbing. If it does not come out, use a damp cloth soaked in mild soap. You may use spirit or pure alcohol if the other methods don’t work.

Read More:

• Enhance Your Décor With These 7 Types of Canvas Prints
• Are Canvas Prints Tacky? Debunking the Myth and Revealing the Truth

Conclusion

You should now know how to take care of your canvas prints to keep them in good condition for a long time. Canvas is durable but might get scratched or discolored if improperly handled. Consider hanging your artwork away from the direct sun to avoid UV damage. Also, maintain the pieces by gently wiping off any accumulated dust.

If there are stubborn stains, remove them with a damp cloth, mild, soapy water, or alcohol. Always be gentle, and do not rub against the surface. Finally, always handle your art pieces with clean hands. Also, store them in a cool, dry place away from high humidity.