Caring for an acrylic painting on paper is surprisingly simple. Keep it out of direct, harsh sunlight to prevent fading, avoid humid areas like bathrooms or laundries, and if it ever gets dusty, gently wipe it with a soft, dry microfibre cloth. The most important thing is to frame it with a mat or a float frame to keep the paper off the glass, which allows the painting to breathe and prevents moisture damage.
Good news: acrylic is tough
Let’s start with the good news.
Acrylic paint is incredibly durable. Once it dries, it forms a flexible, water-resistant plastic film. It doesn’t crack, it doesn’t peel, and it doesn’t yellow over time like some older oil paints.
The paper I paint on is high-quality, acid-free, heavyweight A3 paper. It is designed to last.
So if you buy an original painting from me, you are buying something that is built to stay beautiful for a long, long time.
But like anything worth keeping, it needs a little bit of care.
Rule 1: Keep it out of harsh sunlight
This is the most important rule.
Sunlight is the enemy of all art. Over time, UV rays can fade the colours and weaken the paper fibres. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it will happen slowly over years if the painting is constantly in direct sun.
So when you hang your painting, try to choose a spot that isn’t in direct sunlight for hours every day. A little bit of soft, morning light is lovely. A full day of blazing afternoon sun is not.
If you live in a house with very bright, unprotected windows, consider using a UV-protective glass when you frame it. It adds a layer of protection that will keep your painting looking fresh for decades.
Rule 2: Avoid the super humid zones
Paper absorbs moisture from the air.
If you hang a paper painting in a bathroom or a laundry, the constant humidity can cause the paper to warp, buckle, or even develop mould over time.
My paintings are sealed with a protective coat of varnish, which adds a layer of protection against moisture. But I still recommend keeping them out of the steamiest rooms in your house.
A living room, a bedroom, a study, or a hallway are all perfect. A bathroom with a steamy shower every morning? Not ideal.
Rule 3: Dust it gently
If your painting gets dusty (and it will, because all paintings do), don’t use a wet cloth or a cleaning spray.
All you need is a soft, dry microfibre cloth. Gently brush the surface to lift away the dust.
If the painting is framed behind glass, just wipe the glass with a standard glass cleaner. Keep the cloth away from the paper itself, and you are good to go.
Rule 4: Frame it correctly
This is the one I really want you to remember.
When you frame a painting on paper, do not let the paper touch the glass.
If the paper touches the glass, moisture can get trapped between the paper and the glass. Over time, this can cause the paper to ripple, stick to the glass, or develop mould.
The solution is simple. Use a mat. Or use a float frame, where the paper sits slightly raised above the backing board, allowing a small gap between the paper and the glass. This allows the painting to breathe, and it looks absolutely beautiful.
A quick note on the certificate and provenance
Your original painting comes with a signed Certificate of Authenticity and a Provenance Card.
Keep these somewhere safe. They are not just nice to have. They are the official documentation that proves your painting is a genuine, one-of-a-kind piece by Tina Fletcher. If you ever decide to sell the painting down the track, that certificate adds significant value.
One final thought
Buying an original painting is a wonderful thing.
It is a moment captured on paper, a piece of the Australian night that you get to bring into your home.
Take care of it. Hang it somewhere you will see it every day. Let it bring you a quiet moment of calm when you walk past it. And know that it is built to last, just like the night sky that inspired it.
Explore the collections
If you have been thinking about adding an original painting to your home, you can browse the available pieces in the shop.
Browse the originals. Shop Originals Page
Quick reference: caring for your painting
Acrylic paint itself is tough and durable once dry. These four steps keep the paper it’s painted on looking its best for decades.
Keep it out of harsh sunlight
UV rays fade colours and weaken paper fibres over years of direct exposure. Soft morning light is fine; a full day of blazing afternoon sun is not. Consider UV-protective glass if your walls get strong light.
Avoid humid rooms
Paper absorbs moisture from the air, which can cause it to warp or buckle over time. Keep paintings out of bathrooms and laundries; a living room, bedroom, study, or hallway is ideal.
Dust it gently
Use a soft, dry microfibre cloth to lift away dust. Never use a wet cloth or cleaning spray directly on the paper.
Frame it correctly
Never let the paper touch the glass. Use a mat board or a float frame to leave a small gap, which lets the painting breathe and prevents moisture damage.