How to Care for Your Artwork
After receiving your artwork, there are a few steps you should take to ensure the longevity and preservation of your purchase for years to come.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Sunlight contains Ultraviolet (UV) waves which can fade and yellow your artwork over time. Our acrylic prints have UV filtering which filter out 95 percent of the UV rays. Even so, it is best to avoid hanging your artwork where direct sunlight will contact it. In addition to sunlight, temperature fluctuations will cause the art materials to expand and contract. This can breakdown the paper pigments and warp both acrylic and wood surfaces. Temperature should be controlled below 77 degrees F.
Humidity
It is important to control the humidity levels in the room where the artwork is being displayed. Museums keep their artwork at 55 percent relative humidity. Mold growth can occur when relative humidity levels exceed 70 percent. Organic materials, such as paper, acrylic, and wood, are hygroscopic - meaning they can absorb and give off moisture. Fluctuations in humidity cause the materials to swell and shrink. It is recommended to keep the relative humidity fluctuations less than 5 percent. Each material responds differently to the humidity changes which can lead to dimensional changes such as bowing, cracking, and warping. Our acrylic prints have the paper face-mounted to the acrylic and humidity fluctuations can introduce tension between the surfaces leading to damage. If you are unsure what the relative humidity levels are in your home, you can purchase an inexpensive thermohygrometer which will provide the temperature and humidity amount and show daily averages.
Cleaning
You should always use a soft microfiber cloth to clean your artwork. Moisten the cloth with a little water to remove the dirt. Avoid using paper towels because they can easily scratch the acrylic surface. Also avoid any alcohol-basedand ammonia-based cleaners as they can damage the acrylic surface and cause a cloudy appearance.
Still have a question? Read the FAQ.