Caring for an Original Oil or Acrylic Painting at Home

Light is the biggest long-term risk, not dust. Direct sunlight — even indirect but bright light over years — will fade pigments and can make oil grounds brittle. Hang originals away from south-facing windows where possible, or at minimum out of the direct path of afternoon sun.

Humidity matters more than most people expect, especially for canvas. Swings between very humid and very dry conditions cause the canvas to expand and contract, which over time can lead to cracking. Kitchens, bathrooms, and exterior walls in monsoon-heavy regions are the riskiest spots for this reason.

For cleaning, less is more: a soft, dry brush or a barely-damp microfiber cloth to remove surface dust is usually all that's needed. Never use glass cleaner, water, or household cleaning products directly on a painted surface — many contain solvents that can lift or dull pigment, and this kind of damage generally isn't reversible.

If a piece does get damaged — a tear, a chip, visible cracking — resist the urge to fix it yourself. Contact a professional art conservator, or reach out to us directly if you bought the piece from this studio; we can usually point you to someone who specializes in the specific medium.