Butterflies Green Abstract Painting Original - "Going Home II"

Acrylic painting can be framed with glass as long as there is at least 1/8 inch space between the glass and canvas, 1/4 inch is better. One of the main reasons not to use glass is that it can create a negative environment for the art. Condensation builds up and mold can develop.

Because of Acrylic Paints softer texture, however, these paints have a tendency to attract dust and dirt and hold them in place. Dust or clean with a clean soft cloth or brush. Acrylic paintings should be dusted thoroughly every couple of months. Frequent dusting will reduce the chances of dirt being absorbed into the acrylic paint as it undergoes textural changes. 

Wiping down the painting should be enough to touch up most acrylic paintings. Use a soft brush or a mild soap solution to clean your art, then see that it’s stored properly to preserve its original beauty for years to come.

Combine soap and water in a large container. Fill a sink or bucket with clean, warm water. Add a few drops of a non-astringent liquid dish detergent and stir the mixture by hand until it forms a mild solution. You can use this solution to spot-clean cured acrylic paintings.

• The detergent will help emulsify dirt and grime to lift them from the surface of the paint while the water flushes them away.
• Dampen a cloth or sponge. For best results, use a cloth made from a soft material like cotton or microfiber. Saturate the cloth with the soap solution, then wring out as much excess water as possible. If you’re using a sponge, give it a good shake before you begin. It should just barely be damp.
• Make sure there’s no heavy soap residue on the cleaning cloth.
• Some types of acrylic paint are water-soluble. If there is too much moisture in the cloth, it may begin to dissolve the paint, creating a blotchy, fuzzy appearance.

Or Look for a brush with a wide base and fine bristles made from natural materials like hair. You can use this tool to whisk away loose dirt and debris clinging to the acrylic paint. In many cases, a good dusting every now and then is all a painting will need to keep it in good condition.               

A makeup brush or hand duster will work well for this purpose.The brush should be clean and dry before it comes into contact with the acrylic painting.

Also, look at the dust that’s built up on the frame or surrounding surfaces, as well. To remove a heavier layer of dust, hold a vacuum cleaner hose close to the painting as you brush it.

• Consider having valuable works cleaned professionally by a qualified art restorer. Though it will cost more, you’ll be able to rest assured that the painting is receiving proper treatment.
• Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive tools to clean a painting. This includes traditional substances such as mineral spirits and turpentine as well as commercial cleaners.

 

Store paintings in a dust-free environment. Because acrylic paints are slightly tacky, they can easily trap dust particles floating around in the environment. For this reason, it’s best to keep prized artwork somewhere with a minimal amount of dust. Make an effort to vacuum and dust high traffic areas on a consistent basis to cut down on the amount of dust in the air that might find its way onto nearby paintings.

• Paintings are more likely to gather dust when they’re mounted higher up on the wall.
• If you’re forced to store your paintings in an attic, basement or garage, wrap them in bubble wrap then cover them with brown paper or plastic garbage bags to keep dust from settling on them.

Limit the amount of light the paintings receive. Prolonged exposure to UV light causes almost all types of paint to fade over time. To delay natural deterioration, display paintings in the interior of your home, business or gallery away from windows and other openings. Whenever possible, avoid positioning paintings in direct sunlight.

• When using a separate light source to illuminate a painting, make sure it’s not intense enough to cause fading to occur.[19]
• Always cover paintings while transporting them to minimize the amount of time they spend in bright natural light.

Keep acrylic paintings cool and dry. Acrylic paints can soften up in elevated temperatures, making them more vulnerable to damage. It’s a good idea to keep the surrounding temperature moderate (between 68-80°F, or 20-27°C) so that the paint doesn't overheat. You should also make it a point to hang your paintings a safe distance away from kitchens, restrooms and other places where there's likely to be more moisture in the air.

• Run a dehumidifier periodically in the room where you store or display your paintings to keep environmental conditions optimal.
• High humidity can also result in the growth of mold and mildew.

 

Do not handle the paint directly. Aside from a brush or cleaning cloth, try not to let anything come into contact with the surface of a finished acrylic painting. Doing so can lead to smears and smudges, along with more serious destruction like chipping and cracking. This can ruin both the appearance of a painting and its monetary value.

• Always grip the painting by the edge of the frame when mounting or moving it.

Tips

• Before you attempt to clean a painting, it's wise to confirm the type of paint used to create it. Different paints require different, and often highly specialized, cleaning solutions.
• You might also look into having your acrylic paintings encased in a protective glass frame. Many art restorers and framing shops are experienced in this practice. Frames are removable and less risky overall than applying a varnish.
• Believe it or not, saliva is often recommended as a safe and effective cleaning solution. Human saliva is mildly acidic and can break down stuck-on dirt without harming the underlying paint.
• Keep paintings away from the reach of children and pets and out of areas where spills or other accidents are likely to occur.