How to Care for Textured and Impasto Paintings

Textured artwork has a presence that flat prints cannot quite replicate. Resin, clay, layered materials, and impasto paint create peaks, valleys, gloss, and shadow that shift as you move around the room. That tactile surface is part of the work's character, and it is worth caring for thoughtfully. Here is our practical guide to living with a textured piece at home.

Dust Gently

Dust is inevitable, but textured surfaces need a lighter touch than a flat canvas. A cloth can catch on raised areas, push dust into recesses, or leave fibres behind.

Use a soft, clean, natural-bristle brush, such as one intended for watercolour or fine detailing, and work gently from the top downward with light flicking strokes. Do not press into the surface. A hand-operated bulb blower can help loosen dust from deeper areas before brushing. Avoid aerosol sprays, cleaning products, and feather dusters, which may leave residue or catch on the artwork.

There is no need to dust on a strict schedule. A light pass every few months is usually enough, with extra care in rooms where dust builds up quickly.

Keep Moisture Away

Textured pieces that include resin, clay, layered materials, or paint are best kept in a stable indoor environment. Avoid hanging them in bathrooms, directly above radiators, or in places where condensation and humidity change frequently, such as very close to a kitchen hob or sink.

Choose a dry interior wall away from direct sources of heat and moisture. If condensation forms near the artwork, move it away from the affected area and allow the wall and the piece to dry fully before repositioning it. A simple household hygrometer can help you notice large swings in humidity, especially during seasonal changes.

Use the Right Wall Fixings

Our paintings are fitted with heavy-duty interlocking Z hooks rather than hanging wire or D-rings. The two parts of the system lock together: one is secured to the back of the painting and the matching piece is fixed to the wall.

Before hanging, make sure the wall fixing is suitable for your wall type and rated comfortably above the painting's weight. The wall-mounted section should be level and firmly secured, and the hooks should be fully interlocked once the painting is in place. For heavier pieces or less familiar wall types, ask a qualified picture hanger or handyman to check the fixing choice.

It is also worth checking the installation from time to time. Look for movement, loose screws, or any sign that the wall fixing is pulling away from the wall. Lift the painting only when necessary, and support it securely if you need to remove it.

Let the Texture Shape the Lighting

Good lighting should reveal the surface without overpowering it. Light arriving from the side or at a shallow angle can bring out the relief in resin, clay, and impasto details, creating gentle shadows across the work. Diffused directional light from a nearby ceiling or wall fixture is a practical choice, and adjustable room lighting lets you fine-tune the effect as the day changes.

A high colour-rendering light source can help the artwork's colours appear more naturally. Keep the light comfortably away from the surface, and avoid hot spots that create glare on glossy resin. Direct, unfiltered sunlight is best avoided because prolonged exposure can change the appearance of some colours and materials over time. If the room gets strong sun, choose a position outside the brightest beam or use curtains or blinds to soften it.

For more tactile, layered work for your home, explore the Textured Paintings collection. If you have a question about a particular piece, including its hanging setup or how it may look in your space, get in touch and we will be happy to help.