Dust it gently with a soft, dry cloth about once a month. A lightly damp cloth every 6 months is enough to remove finer dust for most pieces.
Art Care Guide
How to Care for Your Hand-Painted Artwork
Simple steps to keep your artwork looking beautiful for years to come.
General Care Basics
Cleaning
Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth about once a month. A lightly damp cloth every 6 months removes finer dust. Never use soap, detergents, disinfectants, or solvents — they can damage pigments and varnish.
Sunlight & Placement
Keep artwork away from direct sunlight and away from walls prone to dampness or leakage. Prolonged UV exposure fades pigments over time.
Transport & Handling
Hold artwork by the frame edges or stretcher bars, never the painted surface. For larger pieces, two people carrying it is best.
Storage
Don't leave a painting rolled in its packaging tube long-term — unroll and mount or frame it as soon as you can to avoid surface cracking or creasing.
Caring for Art in India's Climate
Humidity & Monsoon Care
Keep artwork away from exterior or damp-prone walls during humid months. A dehumidifier or silica packs in humid rooms help, and it's worth checking framed backing for trapped moisture periodically.
Pest Prevention
Keep artwork away from furniture prone to wood-boring insects, inspect frames and backing periodically, and avoid storing pieces in damp basements or attics where pests thrive.
Care by Medium
Canvas Paintings
Never frame a canvas painting under glass — canvas needs to breathe, and glass traps moisture that can damage the surface over time. For mid-to-large pieces, extra stretcher-bar support helps prevent warping and cracking.
Framed Photography & Prints
Non-glare, UV-protective glass is best, paired with acid-free mats and backing to prevent yellowing or moisture damage over time.
Custom Portraits
Follow the same canvas or paper guidance above depending on what your portrait was painted on. Since a portrait is usually a one-off, sentimental piece, a little extra care around placement and handling goes a long way toward keeping it as a lasting heirloom.
When to Call a Professional
If your artwork is damaged, or shows signs of mold, tears, or flaking paint, don't attempt a DIY repair. Consult a professional art conservator or restorer.
FAQ
Art Care FAQ
No — avoid soap, detergents, disinfectants, and solvents, as they can damage pigments and varnish. Use only a dry or lightly damp soft cloth.
Away from direct sunlight and away from walls prone to dampness or leakage. Prolonged UV exposure fades pigments over time.
Keep it away from exterior or damp-prone walls, use a dehumidifier or silica packs in humid rooms, and check framed backing for trapped moisture periodically.
Keep artwork away from furniture prone to wood-boring insects, inspect frames and backing periodically, and avoid storing pieces in damp basements or attics where pests thrive.
No — canvas needs to breathe. Framing it under glass traps moisture and can damage the surface over time.
Non-glare, UV-protective glass, paired with acid-free mats and backing to prevent yellowing or moisture damage over time.
Hold it by the frame edges or stretcher bars, never the painted surface. For larger pieces, two people carrying it is best.
Don't attempt a DIY repair — consult a professional art conservator or restorer.
Not long-term — unroll and mount or frame it as soon as you can to avoid surface cracking or creasing.
Shopping for a new piece? Browse the Shop · Commissioning something custom? Explore Custom Portraits
