The complete guide to cleaning a canvas, Dibond aluminum, plexiglass, or wood painting

Last update: July 2026

How to maintain a decorative painting?

A decorative painting often accompanies an interior for many years. To preserve the brightness of its colors and the quality of its medium, a few simple actions are enough. However, you must adopt the right methods, as not all materials are maintained the same way.

At Espoir Photos, every photograph is designed to sustainably accompany your interior. Proper maintenance helps preserve the quality of the medium, the richness of the colors, and the emotion each work conveys daily.

In this guide, discover the right steps to clean and protect a canvas painting, a Dibond aluminum, plexiglass, or wood painting, as well as the mistakes to avoid to preserve its beauty long-term.

The perspective of the photographer

A photograph is meant to live in an interior for many years. I like to imagine it accompanying everyday moments, through the seasons and the light. A few simple actions are enough to preserve this emotion and keep the artwork’s beauty over time.

✨ Did you know?

The main enemies of a painting are often invisible. Dust, ultraviolet rays, humidity, or certain harsh household products can gradually damage the materials and colors. Gentle and regular maintenance is usually the best way to preserve a photographic work.

Summary

• Why maintain a decorative painting?
• Essential rules before any cleaning
• How to clean a canvas painting?
• How to clean a Dibond aluminum painting?
• How to clean a plexiglas panel?
• How to clean a wooden panel?
• Mistakes to avoid
• Your most frequently asked questions
• Sources that inspired this guide
  

Why maintain a decorative painting?

A decorative painting is much more than just a decorative object. It catches the eye, contributes to the balance of the room, and helps create an atmosphere that reflects you. Like all objects exposed daily, it is however subject to dust, temperature changes, fingerprints, and light.

These aggressions are often subtle, but over time, they can dull the colors' brilliance or damage certain finishes. Conversely, regular maintenance helps preserve the print quality and the elegance of the support.

Good news: there is no need to use complex products or special techniques. A few simple actions, done with the right accessories, are generally enough to keep your painting in excellent condition for many years.

✔ Key points to remember

Regular maintenance is always preferable to intensive cleaning. A few minutes once or twice a month usually helps protect the beauty of a decorative painting.

Essential rules before any cleaning

Before cleaning a canvas painting, aluminum Dibond, plexiglass, or wood, some precautions help avoid common mistakes.

✔ The right actions

• Always use a clean, soft microfiber cloth.
• Dust regularly before dirt accumulates.
• Handle the painting by the sides to avoid fingerprints on the surface.
• If wet cleaning is necessary, use only lukewarm water or a neutral pH soap, according to the support's recommendations.
• Dry gently with a second clean microfiber cloth.

✘ Actions to avoid

• Products containing acetone, ammonia, or solvents.
• Glass cleaners or harsh household products.
• Abrasive sponges, hard brushes, or paper towels.
• Spraying liquid directly onto the painting.
• Scrubbing a stain vigorously.

✨ Photographer's tip

When a painting is slightly dusty, the best approach is often the simplest: a clean microfiber cloth, gently wiped without pressing. In most cases, this is enough to restore its full brilliance.

How to clean a canvas painting?

The canvas captivates with its warm finish and slightly textured surface, reminiscent of works displayed in art galleries. This finish naturally diffuses light and adds a special softness to landscape, nature, or seaside photographs.

This texture is also its main characteristic. Unlike rigid supports, a printed canvas does not have a perfectly smooth surface. It therefore requires some precautions to protect the quality of the print and the elegance of its finish.

✔ The right actions

In most cases, simple dusting is sufficient.

Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth or a very soft duster to gently remove accumulated dust from the surface.

If a slight mark persists, very lightly dampen your cloth with lukewarm water. Then wipe the surface without applying excessive pressure, and let it dry naturally.

Canvas generally requires no other products for routine maintenance.

✘ Actions to avoid

Avoid:

• household cleaners;
• products containing alcohol or solvents;
• abrasive sponges;
• hard brushes;
• a soaking cloth that could dampen the canvas.

Even though current prints are particularly durable, overly vigorous cleaning risks damaging the printed surface.

The photographer’s perspective

I particularly appreciate canvas for its ability to soften light. Its matte finish gives the impression that the photograph naturally blends into the decor. It is a medium that benefits from being cared for with the same delicacy with which it renders colors.

✔ Key points to remember

Canvas is probably the medium that requires the least intervention. Regular dusting with a clean microfiber cloth is usually enough to maintain its elegance.

How to clean an aluminum panel?

The aluminum Dibond is known for its rigidity, stability, and matte finish that naturally limits reflections. Highly appreciated in galleries and photographic exhibitions, it also offers one of the simplest maintenance routines.

Its smooth surface holds little dust and withstands gentle cleaning very well when done with the right accessories.

✔ The right actions

Start by removing dust with a clean microfiber cloth.

If there are fingerprints or small stains, use a cloth slightly dampened with lukewarm water. If necessary, add a very small amount of soap with neutral pH, then gently wipe the surface before drying with a second clean microfiber cloth.

In the vast majority of cases, this method is more than sufficient.

✘ Actions to avoid

Never use:

• acetone;
• ammonia;
• solvents;
• abrasive products;
• scouring sponges.

Even though Dibond aluminum is particularly robust, these products can damage the printed surface and reduce the visual quality of the photograph.

 The photographer’s perspective

Dibond aluminum is a support designed to last. Its matte surface particularly highlights the finest details and light nuances. Simple and regular maintenance is usually enough to preserve the image's precision for many years.

✨ Did you know?

Thanks to its rigidity and low sensitivity to humidity changes, Dibond aluminum is one of the most used supports for photographic exhibitions, galleries, and installations meant to last.

✔ Key points to remember

Dibond aluminum requires little maintenance. A clean microfiber cloth, some lukewarm water, and gentle movements generally help maintain its original appearance for a long time.

How to clean a plexiglas panel?

The plexiglas is probably the finish that immediately catches the eye the most. Its glossy surface provides a remarkable sense of depth and especially enhances seascapes, lagoons, sunsets, and all photographs rich in light.

This elegance is accompanied by a particularity: plexiglas is more sensitive to micro-scratches than a matte surface. However, a few simple steps can help preserve its transparency and shine for a long time.

✔ The right actions

First of all, gently remove dust with a clean microfiber cloth. If larger particles are present, never rub the surface directly. It is better to remove them gently to prevent them from becoming abrasive.

For regular cleaning, use a cloth slightly dampened with lukewarm water mixed with a neutral pH soap. Wipe gently without applying excessive pressure, then immediately dry with a second clean, dry microfiber cloth.

This method is generally enough to remove fingerprints and light dirt while preserving the support’s shine.

✘ Actions to avoid

Never use:

• acetone;
• household alcohol or denatured alcohol;
• products containing ammonia;
• solvents or thinners;
• abrasive sponges;
• paper towels or rough cloths.

These products can permanently alter the acrylic surface, cause a permanent haze, or create micro-scratches that reduce the visual depth of the photograph.

Similarly, techniques like sanding, polishing, or tips using toothpaste or other abrasive products, sometimes suggested online to restore a plexiglass sheet, are not suitable for a printed photographic panel. They could irreparably damage the print.

 The photographer’s perspective

When I photograph a lagoon or a sunset, I already imagine the light that the plexiglass will reveal once the artwork is installed indoors. The blues of a lagoon, the reflections on the water, or the colors of a sunset seem to gain depth. This finish simply requires some care during cleaning so that this sense of brilliance remains intact over the years.

✨ Did you know?

The quality plexiglass used for photographic printing offers excellent optical transparency. It is mainly inappropriate cleaning products and overly vigorous actions that risk permanently damaging its appearance.

✔ Key points to remember

Plexiglass is a durable surface when handled gently. A clean microfiber cloth, lukewarm water, and a neutral pH soap are usually enough to sustainably preserve its transparency and shine.

How to clean a wooden panel?

Wood has a unique personality. Unlike other finishes, it does not try to hide its material: its natural grains interact with the photograph and fully contribute to the final result. Since each panel is slightly different, each piece has a truly unique character.

This living material deserves proper care to preserve all its authenticity.

✔ The right actions

Like any natural material, wood appreciates simple and regular maintenance.

Regular dusting with a clean, dry microfiber cloth is sufficient in the vast majority of cases.

If a slight mark appears, use a cloth very slightly dampened with warm water, then immediately wipe with a dry cloth to prevent moisture from remaining in contact with the wood.

A stable indoor atmosphere, without excessive humidity or heat, also helps preserve the quality of the medium over time.

✘ Actions to avoid

Avoid:

• harsh cleaners;
• solvents;
• abrasive products;
• excess water;
• steam cleaners;
• slow drying allowing moisture to penetrate the wood.

Even though the panels used for photographic printing are designed to last, wood remains a natural material that appreciates gentle and regular care.

The photographer’s perspective

Wood never tries to hide its material. On the contrary, it discreetly reveals its grain and brings a warmth found in no other medium. I love this meeting between photography and a living material, which makes each piece truly unique.

✨ Did you know?

Each wood panel has a different grain. Two paintings printed from the same photograph will always show subtle variations, contributing to the unique character of each piece.

✔ Key points to remember

Wood requires little maintenance but appreciates gentleness. Regular dusting and some precautions against moisture are usually enough to preserve its natural beauty.

 Your most frequently asked questions

How often should a decorative painting be cleaned?

In a living room, dusting once or twice a month is generally sufficient. In a dustier environment, more frequent maintenance may be necessary.

Can I use a window cleaner?

No. Window cleaners often contain ammonia or other chemicals that can damage certain finishes, especially plexiglass. Always prefer a clean microfiber cloth slightly dampened with warm water and, if needed, a neutral pH soap.

How do I remove fingerprints?

Fingerprints usually disappear with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Then gently wipe with a second clean microfiber cloth to avoid drying marks.

Can I use a duster?

Yes, provided it is very soft and perfectly clean. It is an excellent solution for removing dust without risk, especially on canvas paintings.

Can sunlight damage a painting?

Yes. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays can accelerate the aging of materials and colors. To sustainably preserve your artwork, avoid direct exposure for several hours each day.

What to do in case of a scratch on a plexiglass painting?

Sanding, polishing methods, or tricks using toothpaste or other abrasive products are not recommended for a photographic printed painting. They risk permanently damaging the artwork. In case of a significant scratch, it is best to seek advice from a professional.

 Can you clean a painting with a lot of water?

No. Regardless of the surface, the cloth should only be slightly dampened. Excess water can damage certain materials, especially wood and canvas.

Can you use a damp cloth on a painting?

Yes, provided it is slightly dampened and suitable for the surface. In most cases, a clean microfiber cloth lightly moistened with warm water is enough to remove fingerprints or small stains.

The cloth should never be soaking wet, as excess moisture can damage certain materials, especially canvas and wood. If wet cleaning is necessary, gently wipe the surface afterward with a second clean, dry microfiber cloth.

How to dust a painting without damaging it?

Dusting is the simplest and most effective maintenance action. Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth or, for the most delicate surfaces, a very soft duster.

Wipe the cloth without applying pressure, using regular movements. Avoid rough cloths, paper towels, or abrasive sponges, which could scratch certain finishes, especially plexiglass.

Dusting once or twice a month is generally enough to sustainably preserve the shine of a decorative painting.

Mistakes to avoid

Sources that inspired this guide

To provide you with reliable and tailored advice for photographic works, this guide is based on recommendations published by manufacturers and reference organizations in the fields of photographic printing, materials, and artwork preservation.

Photographic printing and preservation

• DIBOND® (3A Composites) — Technical documentation on aluminum composite panels used for photographic printing.
• PLEXIGLAS® (POLYVANTIS, formerly Röhm) — Recommendations for maintaining acrylic surfaces.
• Epson Professional Imaging — Advice on handling and preserving professional photographic prints.
• Fogra Research Institute — Research on print quality, colorimetry, and durability of printed materials.
• Fine Art Trade Guild — Best practices for handling, framing, and preserving printed artworks.

Well-being and indoor environment

• The Living Space: Psychological Well-Being and Mental Health in Interior Spaces (2021) — Scientific journal dedicated to the influence of living spaces on psychological well-being.
• Center for the Built Environment – University of California, Berkeley — Research on visual comfort, materials, and the quality of indoor environments.

✔ The 5 golden rules

• Dust regularly
• Use a clean microfiber cloth
• Use only lukewarm water or a neutral soap
• Avoid abrasive products
• Protect the painting from direct sunlight

CONCLUSION

Taking care of a decorative painting requires no special equipment or complicated actions. Regular maintenance, done gently and suited to each material, is usually enough to preserve the print quality, color vibrancy, and material beauty for many years.

At Espoir Photos, each artist's photograph is designed to sustainably complement your interior. Printed on carefully selected premium materials, our works are made to stand the test of time while retaining their emotional impact. A few simple steps will help preserve this quality and allow you to fully enjoy your artwork day after day.

Because a decorative painting does more than just dress a wall. It tells a story, reveals the personality of a space, and creates an atmosphere that you enjoy every time you look at it.

Are you looking for an artist's photograph to enhance your interior decoration? Discover the Espoir Photos collections and choose the artwork that will accompany your interior for many years.