3 Tips for Keeping Your Canvas Prints Looking Like New
by Cody Johnson | Dec 28, 2017 | Canvas Press
Canvas prints offer a versatile, creative way of displaying art and photography, but just how do you clean canvas properly? If you've noticed some dirt and dust on your prints or perhaps accidentally spilled something on canvas, it is time to clean up the mess before it leaves a permanent stain. Thankfully cleaning canvas prints isn't difficult and you should be left with beautiful results if you keep a few key points in mind.
Here are three tips for how to clean a canvas picture that will help ensure your prints stay looking like-new
Stay Away from Any Harsh Chemicals or Household Cleaners
When a spill or other accident occurs it can be tempting to use a holdhold cleaner to try and get it up, but resist the urge. The majority of the time there is no need to actually use a chemical cleaner when tidying your canvas prints.
Normal canvas print cleaning consists of using a soft cloth and warm water. Normal dust can be brushed off with a soft cotton or microfiber cloth. Just be sure to using a flicking motion to ensure you don't rub dirt or grime into the canvas itself. You could also use a very soft bristle brush in the same motion. If a dry cloth isn't getting the job done, you may dampen a cloth with warm water and carefully clean the canvas this way.
If a serious cleaning job is needed, the first step is to contact the canvas company to see what they recommended. More often than not it is best to have your canvas print professionally cleaned than attempt to scrub away a stain on your own.
Avoiding Hanging Canvas in Areas Prone to Damage
The most effective way of keeping your canvas prints looking new is to take careful consideration when hanging them. Canvas prints look beautiful in any room, but damage is more likely in certain areas than others. Rooms that experience humidity and temperatures are one example.
Bathrooms and kitchens are perfect examples of rooms where canvas prints should be hung with great care. These rooms have high humidity levels and temperatures can swing up quite high due to showering, cooking, etc. Very small bathrooms without proper ventilation may degrade canvas quickly. The same goes for canvas placed near stoves or other cooking appliances.
Your most priced canvas prints should be kept in rooms that have fairly balanced temperatures and good air circulation. This can includes a parlor, living room, den or in roomy hallways, just to name a few options. Prints that are hung in less than ideal locations should be inspected more often to ensure they are in good shape. Keep in mind that sunlight from nearby windows may dull your prints more quickly as well.
Use Care When Storing or Moving Canvas Prints
Two great things about canvas prints are that they can easily be moved around and that you can use them to show off seasonal art. However, when the season is over and you're ready to pack up your prints it is important to carefully store them. Damage is still possible to happen in storage, not to mention dust and dirt accumulation is more likely while not hung.
If you are moving or simply storing prints for later use you will first want to clean the print in the same way as mentioned before. You want to get all the dust and dirt off the canvas now, rather than leaving it to sit during storage. After ensuring that the canvas is clean you may then wrap it in some type of acid-free wrapping. This is usually bubble wrap or large sheet craft paper.
Once properly wrapped you will want to store the prints in a place out of direct sunlight in a dry room. Taking the time to ensure your prints are clean and properly stored will mean when the time comes to re-hang they will be ready to show off.
Caring for canvas prints is mostly about damage prevention and the use of gentle cleaning techniques only when required. Despite being made of fabric, well-made canvas prints are surprisingly durable and long-lasting when treated with care. Be sure to clean your prints when needed and you'll be rewarded with beautiful wall hangings for many years to come.
