How to Clean Canvas Board
Introduction
The canvas board is made of rigid, high-quality woven jute fibers. It is used as a surface for fresco and oil painting, provided with additional support for the oil paintings covered by panels or glass covers in museum collections. A Canvas board can also be called a high-quality illustration board.
It is lightweight acid–free material, white or off-white in color; it does not yellow with time and does not absorb moisture and reactivate mold growths that may previously exist on the surface. Using this product helps you avoid damage to your artwork caused by deterioration due to high humidity levels or extreme temperatures.
In addition, canvas boards are ideal for storing framed artifacts away from light sources that otherwise may degrade their display. In this article, I will discuss how to clean canvas board. So let us get to work..
Step-wise Guide on How to Clean Canvas Board
Canvas board is commonly used for paintings by students, artists, and novice painters. So, if you are one of those who have canvas boards with you in your home studio, then here is the guide on how to clean canvas boards. The following procedure can be followed to clean paint off from a canvas board effectively:
- In a bucket or sink, mix equal parts water and mild soap (without any bleach). Submerge the entire canvass into the mixture, making sure the solution is safe enough to contact the surface of your artwork without damaging it. Use soft, slightly moistened cloths while cleaning. Do not use rough scrubbers or abrasive cleaners, as scuffing of canvas surfaces will cause tears in the fabric. (If you have an expensive art piece, follow every step carefully.)
Wash the painting with a soft brush and soapy water mixture to remove any dirt. Blot it dry with a clean, soft cloth to remove any excess soap.
Allow your artwork to air-dry for at least forty-eight hours before placing it back on display or framing it with glass/wooden panels. You must allow proper drying time before hanging up your artwork, as damp can create mildew that can damage the base and cause permanent discoloration within 48 to 72 hours if not dried properly.
If this happens, there is no solution but to replace the artwork. Another reason why proper drying time is required before restoration (framing) is done is because the cheaper or lesser quality canvasses are often stretched using glue which can react with the moisture content in the air and cause damage to your art piece.
Once your canvas board is dry, if there are any stubborn spots of paint, simply dab the gum-thickened brush on them and let it sit for a few hours. The gum will harden over the spot, and then you can remove it by gently scraping it off with a dull blade.
If you notice any damage occurring in your art piece due to prolonged exposure to sunlight or any other source of ultraviolet radiation then bring back its original charm by using a commercial UV protection spray.
Next, wipe down the glass or wooden panels you intend to use for framing your artwork with a wet cloth and mild soap solution. Then, assemble them in reverse order of each other and hang up your artwork!
Precautions While Cleaning a Canvas Board
Canvas boards are made with natural fibers, Kolkata, and glue. The fiber part absorbs dirt very easily and is difficult to clean. Hence, before you start cleaning a canvas board, first read the precautions given below:
- Make sure that what kind of canvas board are you going to clean? If it has synthetic fibers, you can use water directly to clean it, but if it has all-natural fibers, do not use water because some of its parts might get damaged due to moisture in water.
- If you want to clean a surface without damaging it, you need to know which way the grain is going. The grain is the direction that which the fibers on the surface are running. If you clean the surface in the wrong direction, the fibers will be damaged and the surface will be ruined.
- Read carefully on the product label what is required to clean your work. For example, most manufacturers will advise their users only to use lukewarm water to avoid shrinkage and color loss while working with synthetic fibers.
- Always try to use a low alkaline degreaser free from chlorine or rust removers because they can damage the art surface and might fade away colors over time.
- Use low moisture materials for cleaning canvas boards like standard paper towels, cotton cloths, natural fiber rugs, etc. Try not to use any abrasive material like nylon scrubbers, brushes, or sponges because they have the ability to scratch the face.
Conclusion
I hope the information discussed above has provided you with adequate information on how to clean canvas board. Follow the precautions properly while performing the process. Thank you and have a nice day!
