A wonderful and sophisticated way to show off your photo is with a canvas print. It can bring a sense of style and artistic elegance to your home that a commonly framed photograph just doesn’t accomplish.
Taking care of a canvas print, however, is very different than wiping the glass over a photograph with some generic cleaner and a paper towel. To help your canvas print last for years to come, it will need proper care.
Keep it Dry and Cool
Once you’ve printed your photo on a canvas, like this 16 x 20 canvas from CanvasPeople, you need to decide where to put it. Canvas can stretch in humidity and heat if left in those conditions too long, so it’s important to hang your print somewhere dry and cool.
Don’t Hang in Direct Sunlight
Sunlight is an enemy of bright colors on any material and canvas is no exception. In the same way you don’t want your bookshelf or DVD collection getting direct sunlight, you don’t want your canvas print getting blasted by the sun either. Over time that exposure will cause the colors in your print to fade.
Avoid Chemical Cleaners
The chemicals in household cleaners can damage your canvas print by breaking down the protective UV coating, and could possibly even remove some ink from the image. A damp microfiber cloth is often all you need to carefully wipe away dirt and grime. If that doesn’t work, you’re best off finding a professional cleaning service. If that’s not a service you’re readily aware of, ask at an art supply or framing store for a recommendation.
Never Rub When Cleaning
In addition to the occasional spot of dirt (or perhaps food, if your print is the dining room), the battle with dust is an ongoing reality. A feather duster is generally all you need to keep it at bay. If the dust, or any other gunk, doesn’t budge, resist the temptation to rub at it or use your fingernail to dig it out. You might end up scratching the print. Instead, use easy circular motions with a lightly dampened microfiber cloth. Be careful with the amount of water on your cloth; too much could damage the print.
Use Acid-Free Paper in Storage
Your beloved canvas print may eventually get rotated out for a fresh look. When that happens, or you’re moving to a new house, you may have to store your print. As with choosing a proper place to hang it, you don’t want to store your print in a humid or overly hot location. If you plan to store the canvas for any length of time, you’ll want to invest in some acid-free paper to wrap it in. The paper will prevent yellowing as well as scratches on the print.
A canvas print is a treasure and, if properly cared for, can be passed down from generation to generation. It’s not hard to keep yours in great shape. With the right approach to cleaning, displaying and storing, your print will last a lifetime and then some.
