How to Care for and Clean Your Canvas or Metal Print
Fine art prints aren't high-maintenance, but each finish has a right way and a wrong way to clean it. Get this wrong and you can leave streaks, scratches, or dull the surface permanently. Here's what actually works.
Canvas
Dust gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth or a soft-bristle brush. Never use water or cleaning sprays on canvas — it can warp the material or damage the print. If there's a stubborn mark, a barely damp cloth is the absolute limit, and test an inconspicuous corner first.
Metal prints
These are the easiest to clean. A soft microfiber cloth with a little glass cleaner works well since the surface is similar to glass. Avoid abrasive sponges or paper towels, which can leave fine scratches over time.
Acrylic prints
Treat it like a high-end glass surface. Microfiber cloth, mild glass cleaner, wipe in one direction rather than circles to avoid streaking. Skip anything with ammonia if you can — it can cause the acrylic to cloud over time.
Wood panel prints
Dry dust only, same as canvas. Wood is porous, so moisture is the enemy here — even a damp cloth can cause the print to warp or discolor. If it needs more than dusting, a very light pass with a barely-damp cloth followed by immediate drying is the safest limit.
General rules across every finish
Keep prints out of direct, constant sunlight to prevent fading over the years. Dust every few weeks rather than letting it build up. And when in doubt, less is more — a dry cloth solves most problems without any risk.
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