How do you clean a canvas?

Hoe maak je een canvasdoek schoon?

After a while, a layer of dust hangs over the canvas and the photo no longer comes into its own. It is important to maintain your canvas well so that you can enjoy it for years to come. But how exactly do you do that? We will explain it to you here.

Tips and tricks to clean a canvas

Cleaning a canvas without detergents can be done using a few simple tools and techniques. Here's how you can do that:

  1. Dry dusting: Use a soft brush or lint-free cloth to gently remove loose dirt and dust from the canvas. This prevents dirt from settling further in the cloth during cleaning.
  2. Soft eraser: If there are small stains or dirt on the canvas, you can use a soft eraser (such as an art eraser) to gently rub the stains. The eraser can remove light stains and dirt without the need for water or detergent.
  3. Lint-free cloth with water: If there are more stubborn dirt or stains, dampen a lint-free cloth with a small amount of water. Wring out the cloth well so that it is damp but not dripping wet. Gently wipe over the stains to remove them.

Important tips:

  • Do not use excessive water, as a canvas that is too wet can shrink or deform.
  • Always dab gently, do not rub the canvas hard to avoid damage.
  • Test a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure the canvas won't be damaged by the moisture.

Different types of canvas

There are different types of canvas. For example, there is matt canvas or semi-gloss canvas. The first is a lot more vulnerable and therefore less easy to clean. Matte canvas and water don't mix. So stick to a soft and dry duster or feather duster. Satin canvas, on the other hand, is water-repellent. You can therefore use a damp cloth without any problems, the ink will not be damaged.

Not sure which type of canvas you have? Then a good rule of thumb is to always use a dry duster