How to care for Handmade Textured Paintings: A Sydney Homeowner's Guide.
Updated: Sep 3
Handmade textured paintings bring a depth and character that flat, mass-produced prints simply can't match — but that same texture means they need a little different care than a standard framed print. If you've invested in a piece with real brushwork, layered paint, or dimensional detail, here's how to keep it looking as beautiful as the day you brought it home.
Unlike a flat canvas print, a textured abstract painting has raised layers of paint, sometimes combined with materials like sand, plaster, or metallic leaf. This texture is what gives the piece its depth and light-catching quality — but it also means dust, sunlight, and humidity can affect it differently than a smooth surface.
1. Dusting: Go Gentle, Go Dry
Use a soft, dry microfibre cloth or a clean, soft-bristled brush (a makeup brush works well for detailed texture)
Dust in the direction of the brushstrokes or texture, not against it
Never use a feather duster on heavily textured pieces — feathers can catch and pull at raised paint
Dust every 2–3 weeks to prevent buildup in the crevices of the texture
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Prolonged direct sunlight is one of the biggest risks to any painting, textured or not. UV exposure can fade pigments and, over time, cause paint to become brittle. For a feature wall Sydney homeowners often place near large windows, consider:
Hanging the piece away from direct sun exposure where possible
Using UV-filtering window film if the wall genuinely can't be moved
Rotating pieces seasonally if you have more than one in a sun-exposed room
3. Watch Humidity and Temperature
Sydney's coastal climate means humidity swings can affect canvas tension and paint adhesion over time.
Avoid hanging textured paintings directly above heaters, fireplaces, or air conditioning vents
Keep bathrooms and steamy kitchens as no-go zones for original paintings
Aim for a stable room environment — consistent temperature matters more than any single extreme
4. Never Use Liquid Cleaners
This is the most common mistake we see. Water, glass cleaner, or all-purpose sprays can:
Soften or lift paint layers, especially on textured or resin-finished pieces
Cause streaking or discolouration
Damage carved wood or panel elements permanently
If a textured piece needs more than dusting, it's best to consult a professional art restorer rather than attempt cleaning at home.
5. Handle With Care During Moves
If you're repositioning a piece, always carry textured paintings flat, supporting the frame from underneath rather than gripping the canvas or textured surface directly. Fingertips carry natural oils that can mark raised paint over time.
Caring for Different Bella Decor Pieces
Different textures call for slightly different attention:
Textured abstract paintings — dust gently along the direction of the palette-knife strokes; avoid pressing into raised areas
Carved decorative wall panels — a soft brush works best to reach into carved grooves without scratching the wood finish
Metal wall art — wipe occasionally with a dry cloth to prevent dust buildup on metallic surfaces; avoid metal polish, which can strip finishes
Bella Boxes (3D shadow box art) — dust the glass or acrylic front with a dry microfibre cloth; avoid opening the box to clean inside elements
Framed canvas art — dust the frame and glass regularly; if unglazed, treat the canvas as you would a textured painting
When in Doubt, Ask the Experts
At Bella Decor, every piece is handmade — which means every piece deserves care that respects the craftsmanship behind it. If you're ever unsure how to care for a specific painting, panel, or Bella Box, our team at the Riverstone or Castle Hill showroom is always happy to advise, whether you bought the piece from us or not.
Visit Us
Riverstone Showroom 10 Edward Street, Riverstone NSW 2765
Castle Hill Showroom 32/7 Salisbury Road, Castle Hill NSW 2154
Explore our full handmade wall art collection online at belladecorations.com.au, trusted by 1,200+ Sydney customers with a 4.8/5 rating.
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