How to Care for Your Custom Painting: Maintenance Tips

Have you ever bought something special, only to see it fade, break, or get dusty over time?
Maybe it was a gift, a souvenir, or even a custom painting you ordered to remember someone you love. It looked amazing at first - but now it’s losing its sparkle.

That’s the problem with art if you don’t care for it. Sunlight, dust, and even the air can slowly damage your painting without you realizing it.

But here’s the good news: taking care of your custom painting is easy, and it helps keep your memories looking beautiful for years. Whether it’s a portrait of your pet or a special place, a little care goes a long way.

“Every artist dips their brush in their own soul, and paints their own nature into their pictures.”  -  Henry Ward Beecher

Your painting has soul - let’s keep it alive.

Key Takeaways

• Keep it out of direct sunlight. UV rays can fade colors over time, especially in watercolors, pencil drawings, and digital prints.

• Avoid heat and humidity. Hang paintings away from fireplaces, radiators, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas to prevent warping and mold.

• Clean gently and carefully. Use a dry microfiber cloth or feather duster—never water or spray cleaners. For glass-covered art, spray cleaner on the cloth, not the frame.

• Use acid-free materials when framing. Acid-free mats and backing help prevent yellowing and paper damage over time.

• Frame canvas properly. Use floating frames or gallery wraps for a polished, protected finish without the need for glass.

• Store upright in a dry, breathable space. Never wrap art in plastic or leave it stacked. Use cotton sheets or acid-free paper for protection.

Protect from Sunlight and Heat

Even the most beautifully made custom painting can fade, crack, or warp over time if it’s exposed to the wrong conditions. Light and heat are two of the biggest threats to artwork longevity, especially for traditional materials like watercolor paper, canvas, and certain inks.

Why sunlight is a problem

Direct sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays that gradually break down pigments in paint and ink. This causes fading, especially in lighter colors like yellows, pinks, and blues.

• Watercolor and pencil drawings are particularly vulnerable because they sit on absorbent paper without a protective seal.
• Even oil and acrylic paintings can fade or discolor when exposed to sun for long periods.
• Digital prints on canvas or paper also lose vibrancy if hung near a sunny window.

Hang your painting on a wall that doesn’t receive direct sunlight, or rotate artwork seasonally if your home has lots of natural light.

Why heat is harmful

High heat can dry out paints, warp wooden frames, and damage adhesives used in prints or mounted art.

• Hanging artwork above radiators, fireplaces, or heat vents puts it at constant risk of warping or cracking.
• If you live in a hot or humid climate, keep artwork in a climate-stable room with good airflow - not in an attic or sunroom.

Keep artwork at room temperature and away from spots where heat rises, like above stoves or heaters.

Use UV-protective glass or acrylic

If your painting is framed - especially if it’s watercolor, pencil, or a digital print - using UV-protective glazing is one of the smartest investments you can make.

• Many modern framing stores offer UV-filtering glass or museum-grade acrylic that blocks up to 99% of harmful rays.
• This protection helps preserve color, detail, and paper integrity without affecting how the artwork looks.

Even with UV protection, it's best to hang art away from bright windows. UV-filtering doesn’t mean “sun-proof” - it just slows the damage.

Keep It Clean - But Gently

Dust and dirt might not seem like a big deal, but over time they can dull the surface of your painting and even cause long-term damage - especially to delicate mediums like watercolor or pencil on paper. The key is to clean your artwork gently and carefully, without introducing moisture or pressure that could harm it.

Dust regularly with the right tools

A light layer of dust may not be noticeable right away, but it can build up and settle into textured surfaces like canvas or brushstrokes.

• Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth, feather duster, or a clean artist’s brush to gently remove dust.
• Don’t press or rub - light sweeping motions are safest, especially on canvas or unsealed paper.
• If your painting has a lot of texture (like oil or acrylic), a soft, dry brush can help you reach into grooves without causing wear.

Never use water or cleaning sprays

It might be tempting to wipe down your painting like you would furniture - but don’t. Moisture can warp paper, loosen paint, or cause mold and mildew over time. Never use water, sprays, or household cleaners directly on artwork. Additionally, avoid using damp cloths, even on durable acrylic or oil paintings - they can leave streaks or lift paint over time.

Cleaning framed or glass-covered art

If your painting is framed under glass or acrylic (especially for watercolors or digital prints), it’s safe to clean the glass - but still with care.

• Spray glass cleaner onto a soft cloth, not directly onto the frame.
• Spraying directly can cause cleaner to seep under the glass and damage the artwork inside.
• Wipe gently and avoid using ammonia-based products near older or sensitive pieces.

Extra tip: If you’re unsure whether your painting has a protective coating (like varnish), treat it as delicate. When in doubt, less is more.

 Avoid Damp and Humid Areas

Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of artwork, especially if your painting is on paper or unsealed canvas. High humidity can lead to warping, mold, mildew, and even color bleeding over time. To keep your artwork safe, it’s important to think carefully about where you display or store it.

1. Skip the bathroom and steamy spaces

Bathrooms might seem like a cozy spot for art, but the constant steam and fluctuating temperature are harmful to paper and canvas. Even framed pieces aren’t safe - moisture can seep inside and cause warping, bubbling, or mold growth behind the glass. Kitchens, laundry rooms, and poorly ventilated sunrooms carry similar risks and should also be avoided.

2. Use a dehumidifier in problem areas

If you're displaying art in a basement or live in a humid climate, a dehumidifier can make all the difference. Aim to keep the room between 40–55% relative humidity. This helps prevent materials like canvas, wood, and paper from expanding, contracting, or developing mold. Try to avoid frequent humidity swings, as even small shifts over time can cause damage.

3. Store paintings in a dry, safe space

When not in use, store your painting in a cool, dry place - never in a garage, attic, or damp basement. Avoid wrapping it in plastic, which can trap moisture. Instead, use breathable materials like acid-free paper, cotton sheets, or archival boxes. Always store paintings upright and off the ground, away from pipes, exterior walls, or vents.

How to Frame It Right

Framing isn’t just about making your artwork look good - it’s also one of the most important ways to protect it from long-term damage. A thoughtful frame keeps your piece safe, supported, and display-ready for years to come.

Use acid-free backing and mats

Always choose acid-free materials when framing paper-based artwork like watercolor, pencil, or digital prints. Regular cardboard or low-quality mats can release acids over time that stain or yellow the paper. Acid-free mats and backing boards help preserve the color and structure of the art, especially when framed under glass. They also give the painting room to “breathe,” preventing it from sticking to the glass.

Ensure proper mounting

How the artwork is attached inside the frame matters. Avoid using glue, double-sided tape, or adhesives that can seep through or become brittle over time. A professional framer will typically use archival corners or hinges, which hold the piece securely without damaging it. If you're framing it yourself, look for archival mounting options at an art supply store or ask for help from a framing expert.

Canvas paintings? Consider floating frames or gallery wraps

Canvas pieces don’t need glass, but they still benefit from a frame for both style and structure. A floating frame leaves space around the edges of the canvas, making it appear to "float" inside the frame - perfect for modern or gallery-style displays. Alternatively, a gallery wrap (where the painting wraps around the edges of the canvas) can be hung without a frame at all, offering a clean, minimalist look.

Be Careful When Moving or Storing

Custom paintings are delicate - whether on paper, canvas, or digital prints. If you're moving homes, rearranging rooms, or storing a piece for later, a little care can prevent scratches, dents, warping, or worse.

• Transport flat and padded

Always handle your painting gently and lay it flat during transport. If it’s framed with glass, make sure it’s well-padded on all sides using foam corners, bubble wrap, or cardboard sheets. Never stack paintings directly on top of one another, and never let framed corners knock together. If you're moving multiple pieces, use soft dividers (like blankets or felt) between them to avoid pressure damage.

• Store upright in a dry place

When storing, stand your painting upright - not flat - and keep it away from damp areas like basements, attics, or garages. These spaces are prone to moisture, heat changes, and pests, all of which can damage both the artwork and the frame. Instead, choose a room-temperature closet, a cabinet with good airflow, or an interior wall with stable conditions.

• Wrap in breathable material - not plastic

To protect your painting from dust and light while in storage, wrap it in a breathable material like a cotton sheet, unbleached muslin, or acid-free paper. Avoid plastic wrap, which can trap moisture and lead to mold or warping, especially in humid climates. For extra peace of mind, add silica gel packets nearby (but not touching the art) to absorb any excess humidity.

When in Doubt, Ask the Artist

Even with all the general care tips, no one knows your painting better than the person who created it. Each medium - whether it’s oil, acrylic, watercolor, or digital print - has its own quirks and long-term care needs. For example, oil paintings may take months to fully cure, watercolor pieces should always be kept behind glass, and digital prints vary depending on the type of paper and ink used.

If you’re ever unsure how to clean, frame, or store your artwork, don’t hesitate to ask the artist directly. Many artists are happy to provide personalized advice and may even include care instructions with your order. If you used a platform like Photo2Painting, their support team can often connect you with the artist or send guidelines specific to your piece.

Getting a quick answer from the source can prevent mistakes and help you enjoy your artwork for years to come. After all, your painting isn’t just a product - it’s a collaboration between your story and their skill.

Conclusion

Your custom painting is far more than decoration - it’s a piece of life, a story rendered in color, texture, and emotion. Whether it captures a beloved pet, a cherished moment, or a favorite place, preserving it properly ensures that it continues to bring meaning and beauty into your life.

From selecting the right photo and style, to choosing a caring artist, placing the order, and finally caring for and framing your piece - each step shapes how your art will age and endure. With even a little attention, you can help your artwork remain vivid and intact for decades (or longer).

Your painting is the culmination of someone’s craft, someone’s story - you’re not just preserving a picture; you’re caring for an intentional act of creativity.

Treat it with the respect and maintenance it deserves. Let it continue to tell your story, vibrant and alive, for years to come.