How to Care for an Acrylic Painting

How do I hang my painting in my home?

I recommend using sturdy picture hanging hooks to hang your painting on a wall. These can easily be found online or at a frame shop. Make sure to get hanging hooks that will support the weight of your painting. If your painting is always hanging crooked, using 2 hooks next to each other can keep it level. 

How do I properly light my acrylic painting?

You can play around with different lighting options to see what you like best! This can be using different lighting temperatures (cool light, warm light), or natural sunlight. Different paintings and color will reflect light differently so play with the angles to see what works best. My only recommendation is to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. My paintings are made with high quality acrylic paint and varnished with a permanent protective coat which is UV-resistant, fade-resistant, and non-yellowing. Check with the artist or gallery you bought your painting from to see if it also meets these standards. Using high quality materials can help prevent damage over time; however, best practice is still to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to prevent damage.

What type of documentation should come with my painting?

When buying original art, all paintings should come with a Certificate of Authenticity. It is important to keep this for your records as this documents that you own the original artwork. Other documents may be a history of ownership (especially if you are not buying directly from the artist), any history of restoration done, and sometimes an exhibition history.

How should I store my acrylic painting?

All paintings (oil, acrylic, watercolor, etc.) should be kept in a climate-controlled area with stable humidity. This will reduce damage and warping from swelling and contracting of materials. Storing your painting in a climate-controlled area will also prevent mold growth from damaging the painting.

Avoid getting your painting wet, if this happens, dry immediately with fans and contact an art restorationist if there is any concern for mold growth (do not attempt to remove any mold on your own! This is a serious restoration that needs a skilled hand to prevent permanent damage to the painting).

Avoid prolonged exposure of your painting to direct sunlight.

If you are storing your painting attached to its stretcher bars, avoid leaning anything against the painting to prevent damage to the canvas. If storing multiple acrylic paintings, placing a barrier (like cardboard) can help protect your art. Be sure to wrap the painted side in acid free paper first. This will prevent the acrylic paint from adhering to anything. DO NOT place two acrylic paintings face to face (painted side touching another painted side) without any barrier. The acrylic paint can adhere to each other like glue and ruin the painting.

To save space for long term storage, the canvas can be removed from its stretcher bars and rolled up. I recommend taking it to a reputable frame shop to do this.

How do I clean my acrylic painting?

A microfiber cloth can be used regularly to clean your painting. Any serious damage or mess can best be handled by a professional specializing in art restoration.