MAINTAINING ACRYLIC GLAZING
Maintaining acrylic glazing requires a gentle touch. Unlike glass, acrylic scratches easily and can be damaged by common household cleaners.
1. Cleaning Basics
• Use a soft cloth: Only use clean, non-abrasive microfiber or lint-free cotton.
• Avoid paper towels: These are made of wood pulp and will leave tiny scratches.
• Skip harsh chemicals: Ammonia-based cleaners will “cloud” or yellow the acrylic over time.
• Specialty cleaners: Use products like Novus No. 1.
• DIY Solution: A drop of very mild dish soap in lukewarm water works perfectly.
2. Execution Tips
• Blow first: Gently blow or use a soft duster to remove loose grit.
• Mist, don’t soak: Spray the cleaner onto the cloth, not directly on the glazing.
• Circular motion: Use light pressure in a circular motion to buff away smudges.
• Dry thoroughly: Use a fresh, dry part of the cloth to prevent water spots.
3. Long-term Care
• Static control: Acrylic naturally attracts dust. Using an anti-static cleaner helps repel it.
• Environment: Keep art out of direct sunlight. Even UV-filtering acrylic can degrade under extreme heat.
• Scratch repair: If you see fine scratches, a specialized buffing compound like Novus No. 2 can often remove them.
• Avoid “wet” rooms: Do not hang wood framed prints in bathrooms or kitchens, where high humidity and temperature spikes can cause moisture absorption & damage to the art, Mold growth etc.