How to Protect Acrylic Paintings on Canvas

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When acrylic paintings aren't protected, they can slowly start to become discolored, cracked, or warped. Luckily, there are lots of ways to prevent this from happening. You can seal your canvas with varnish, protect it with a glass frame, and keep it in the right environment so it stays vibrant for years. With just a little bit of time and some protective measures, your acrylic painting will stay as good as new.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Choosing a Varnish

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  1. Liquid varnishes that you apply using a paintbrush are the most well known and are great for acrylic paintings that aren’t super textured. Choose a liquid varnish that’s designed to go over acrylic paint from your local art or big box store. [1]
    • A liquid varnish will likely give your painting a glossy finish, protecting it from dust, dirt, and other types of damage.
  2. This type of varnish is super strong and great for protecting your canvas. Resin varnishes typically come in two liquid parts that you mix together equally before pouring it onto the canvas and spreading it evenly. Resin varnishes are toxic so it's best to use them in a well-ventilated area. [2]
    • Purchase a resin varnish kit from your local craft store or online.
    • If you use this type of varnish, you'll want to apply an isolation coat to protect your painting.
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  3. Polymer varnishes offer a great shine and protective layer like resin, though they're not quite as strong. Polymer varnishes are easy to apply with a paintbrush and are safer to use because they're not toxic. Look for a polymer varnish at your local craft store. [3]
    • Pick out a matte polymer varnish if desired.
    • The polymer varnish is easy to rinse out of brushes using soap and water.
    • If you're applying a an isolation coat, you'll need to purchase a gloss for paint as well.
  4. If you have an acrylic painting that has a lot of layers or distinct textures that you want to preserve, a spray varnish might be best. This type of varnish comes in a can and will leave a layer of protectant over your painting without any brush marks. Pick out a spray varnish that works on acrylic paint.
    • If your acrylic painting has collage aspects or other types of media attached, a spray varnish is the best choice.
  5. An isolation coat is often a coat of diluted gloss that separates the acrylic painting from the varnish. This way, if you decide to remove the varnish with a solvent, you won't accidentally remove the acrylic paint too. Mix 2 parts of a gel gloss with 1 part water and apply this to the canvas using a paintbrush before you apply your layer of varnish.
    • Purchase a gloss from your local craft store that's safe on acrylic paint.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Applying the Varnish to Your Canvas

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  1. Use a feather duster or soft, clean paintbrush to swipe away any dust on your acrylic painting. This will make sure that the layer of varnish doesn’t trap any dust or dirt on the painting so you get the best look. [4]
    • It’s also okay to use a lint-free soft cloth to wipe down your painting.
    • Avoid wetting the cloth to wipe down your painting because the moisture might damage the acrylics.
  2. If you're using a liquid varnish, cover a table or other surface where you’re working with plastic or layers of newspaper to protect it from the varnish. Set the canvas down on the table so your painting is horizontal.
    • Clean your surface beforehand so dirt or liquids don't leak through the newspaper and onto your canvas.
  3. Use a flat, clean paintbrush to apply the varnish, dipping the brush into the liquid and wiping the excess off against the side of the can. Brush the varnish onto the canvas using even strokes. Start at the top left of the canvas and brush the varnish on using even strokes, moving to the far right of the canvas before working your way down.
    • Applying multiple thin layers of the varnish instead of one thick one is best so you get even coverage.
    • Follow the instructions on your can of varnish to make sure you apply it correctly.
  4. Shake the can of varnish before you spray it so its contents are well combined. Spray the varnish across the canvas starting at the top of the painting and going from left to right in even rows. For extra protection, spray 2-3 layers of the varnish onto the canvas.
    • Choose a well-ventilated area to spray your varnish.
    • Continue shaking the can every couple of minutes as you’re spraying the canvas.
    • Holding the spray 1 ft (0.30 m) from the canvas will make sure the varnish isn’t too concentrated in one area.
  5. Your specific type of varnish will tell you how long it takes to dry, but it’s best to let your painting sit for a few days just to be safe. Make sure your painting is drying in an area that isn’t super dusty or dirty so the dust doesn’t get into the drying varnish. [5]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining Acrylic Paintings

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  1. Swipe the feather duster gently over the canvas to get rid of any dust, moving from side to side evenly to be sure you clean the entire surface. The feather duster is gentle enough that it won’t damage your acrylic painting. [6]
    • A large sable brush (a soft-bristled paintbrush) will work as a duster too.
    • Bring your painting to a professional art cleaner if it's super dirty or you're worried about damaging it.
  2. The oils on your skin can damage your acrylic painting over time, causing it to do things like discolor. As you’re cleaning your painting, be careful that you don’t touch its surface with your fingers to keep it in great shape. [7]
  3. Lots of exposure to the sun will make your acrylic painting fade over time so the colors aren’t as vibrant. When you hang your painting, choose a spot on the wall that gets less sunlight to keep the canvas in good shape. [8]
    • For example, avoid placing the painting on the wall that’s facing a sunny window.
  4. Placing a frame with glass in it will protect your acrylic painting from dust and dirt, as well as any accidental touches. If you’re worried about sun damage, opt for a UV-protected plastic that looks similar to glass so your painting won’t fade as easily. [9]
  5. Humidity can cause your painting to warp while air that’s very dry can cause cracking or other damage. If the place where you’re putting the canvas is humid, use a dehumidifier to take the excess moisture out of the air, while a humidifier will help a super dry space. [10]
    • An ideal humidity for the canvas is 55%. If you’re not sure what the humidity is in your space, purchase a hygrometer from a big box or home improvement store that will tell you.
  6. If you’re not hanging the acrylic painting at the moment, place it in an area that doesn’t get too much sunlight and that’s cool in temperature. Hotter temperatures can cause damage to the canvas like warping. [11]
    • If you’re storing more than one acrylic painting together, place something between them like a clean board so they’re not directly touching.
  7. These signs might be things like discoloration, warping, or cracks in the paint. Instead of trying to fix these problems yourself, take your canvas to a professional painting restorer so they can take good care of your canvas. [12]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you clean an acrylic painting on canvas?
    Kelly Medford
    Professional Painter
    Kelly Medford is an American painter based in Rome, Italy. She studied classical painting, drawing and printmaking both in the U.S. and in Italy. She works primarily en plein air on the streets of Rome, and also travels for private international collectors on commission. She founded Sketching Rome Tours in 2012 where she teaches sketchbook journaling to visitors of Rome. Kelly is a graduate of the Florence Academy of Art.
    Kelly Medford
    Professional Painter
    Expert Answer
    When an acrylic painting is drying, if it gets dust or dirt in it, you can't ever get that out. So make sure that you let acrylic paintings dry in a dust-free area. If you're cleaning a dry painting, just take a damp, soft cloth and run it over the painting to wipe it clean.
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  • Question
    How do you protect an acrylic painting hanging on a wall?
    Kartik Guide
    Community Answer
    Wait until it's dry, and apply a clear, non-yellowing varnish or sealer with a soft brush. Apply two or three coats, letting each coat dry completely. Hang the painting in a low-humidity area out of direct sunlight.
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      Tips

      • Varnishing your acrylic painting will help seal it so that unwanted dust or dirt can't reach the canvas.
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      • Avoid using hairspray as a protectant for your acrylic painting because it can actually eat away at your painting and doesn't provide sufficient protection.
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      • While it's possible to use an oil varnish on your acrylic painting, it's best to choose a varnish that's meant specifically for acrylic paint so you get the best results and protection.
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      Things You'll Need

      Choosing a Varnish

      • Liquid or spray acrylic varnish
      • Paintbrush (optional)
      • Gloss for isolation coat (optional)
      • Cup (optional)

      Applying the Varnish to Your Canvas

      • Feather duster
      • Plastic or newspaper
      • Paintbrush

      Maintaining Acrylic Paintings

      • Feather duster
      • Protective frame (optional)

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      References

      1. ↑ https://agifineart.com/advice/cleaning-and-protecting-paintings-what-you-need-to-know/
      2. ↑ https://www.si.edu/mci/english/learn_more/taking_care/acrylic_paintings.html
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6YJH3HAc6o#t=2m11s
      4. ↑ Kelly Medford. Professional Painter. Expert Interview. 2 July 2019.
      5. ↑ Kelly Medford. Professional Painter. Expert Interview. 2 July 2019.
      6. ↑ Kelly Medford. Professional Painter. Expert Interview. 2 July 2019.
      7. ↑ https://www.artcons.udel.edu/mitra/Documents/MITRA_Storage_Exh_Handling.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.artcons.udel.edu/mitra/Documents/MITRA_Storage_Exh_Handling.pdf
      9. ↑ https://agifineart.com/advice/cleaning-and-protecting-paintings-what-you-need-to-know/
      1. ↑ https://www.parkwestgallery.com/10-tips-how-to-protect-your-artwork-from-damage/
      2. ↑ https://www.artcons.udel.edu/mitra/Documents/MITRA_Storage_Exh_Handling.pdf
      3. ↑ https://agifineart.com/advice/cleaning-and-protecting-paintings-what-you-need-to-know/

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        Dec 5, 2023

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