Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. You want to remember every moment, and a live wedding painting is the perfect way to do so. Not only is it a stunning piece of art, but it also captures the memory of your special day. To keep your live wedding painting looking as vibrant as the day it was created, it's important to follow certain aftercare tips. In this post, I'll discuss how to properly care for your acrylic masterpiece to ensure its longevity and preserve its beauty.
Protect from Sunlight - Sunlight is one of the biggest enemies of artwork, and your live wedding painting is no exception. As beautiful as it may seem to hang your painting in that sun-soaked room, it can be detrimental to the longevity of the paint and canvas. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade the colors of your painting, so it's best to avoid hanging it in direct sunlight. Instead, choose a location that is not directly facing a window or where sunlight won't reach it. This will help protect your painting from fading and preserve its vibrancy.
Gentle Cleaning - Cleaning your live wedding painting is essential to maintain its beauty. However, harsh chemicals and abrasives can damage the paint and canvas. Instead, use a feather duster or a soft cloth to gently dust your painting. You may also use a soft-bristled brush to clean crevices and hard-to-reach areas, but be gentle and avoid applying pressure to the canvas. Avoid using water or cleaning agents as they can damage the paint and canvas beyond repair.
Mounting Hardware - While your live wedding painting may not have mounting hardware attached (I purposefully do not include the hardware so that I do not compromise the integrity of the canvas in case you want to custom frame it), you can easily have it added later if you decide to frame it. This will ensure that your painting is securely mounted and won't fall off the wall. However, avoid mounting hardware that can damage the canvas frame, such as screws. Instead, opt for a sawtooth mount that won't scratch or damage your canvas frame or wall.
Pro Tip: I like to hang my canvases with a pushpin/thumbtack at first and do a trial run for each location where I'm contemplating hanging the canvas. If after a few weeks, I like the location and lighting during different times of the day, I'll then mount and hang it. If I am not satisfied, I move the push pin to a new location and try that spot out until I find the perfect display location.
Display Location - The location of your live wedding painting can greatly affect its longevity. Extreme conditions such as humidity and temperature can damage the canvas and paint. Choosing a dry and cool area without temperature fluctuations can help preserve your painting's beauty. Also, avoid displaying your painting in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Humidity can cause the canvas to warp and damage the paint.
Frame with UV-Protective Glass - While framing your painting can enhance its beauty, it can also be harmful if not done correctly. Using standard glass can cause reflections and glare, which can obscure your painting's beauty. To prevent this, opt for UV-protective glass (museum glass is the best!) that will protect your painting from harmful sunlight and provide optimal visibility. Additionally, choose a frame that is not too tight or too loose, as this can damage the canvas and paint.
PS - To be honest, most of my acrylic paintings don't need glass at all since most are sealed with a high gloss UV protectant varnish. Adding glass is a personal choice and may work better with your lifestyle or aesthetic - every home is unique which is why hanging artwork is case-by-case.
Your live wedding painting is a beautiful piece of art that represents your special day. It's important to take proper care of it to maintain its beauty and ensure its longevity. By following these essential aftercare tips, you can preserve your painting's vibrancy and cherish it for years to come.
Remember to:
Keep your painting away from direct sunlight
Use gentle cleaning methods (No harsh chemicals or water)
Mount it securely with the right hardware
Display it in the right location away from excessive moisture or heat
Frame it with UV-protective glass *optional
With these simple steps, your live wedding painting will continue to be a cherished memory of your special day.
If I have painted for you and you have any questions about your painting, please contact me.