Original pieces of art should be treated as priceless heirlooms that will be handed down from one generation to the next.

Acrylic paintings on canvas are among the most popular types of artwork purchased by private collectors. It's important that you know how to care for an acrylic painting properly before introducing one into your collection.

Follow these three tips to ensure your artwork remains in good condition for many years to come.

1. Leave Your Art Unframed

If you look closely at the acrylic paintings found in reputable museums, you will see that most of them do not have a frame.

Acrylic paint is one of the most permanent mediums. These paints are typically applied to canvas, which is stretched over a wooden foundation. Canvas is much more durable than paper, which allows acrylic paintings to withstand exposure to ambient environments.

Framing an acrylic can actually cause damage. Moisture can become trapped between the frame and the canvas, which can lead to deterioration of the canvas itself. The glass can distort the artwork slightly after framing.

It's best to leave acrylic paintings clean and unframed.

2. Dust Your Painting Often

Acrylic paintings have a softer texture that can attract dust particles over time. Allowing these dust particles to accumulate on your painting can detract from the beauty of the art. You should take the time to dust off your painting regularly.

Avoid using any over-the-counter cleaning products or rags that could be abrasive and damage the paint. A can of compressed air will allow you to clean out every nook and cranny of your painting without having to make physical contact.

If a more thorough cleaning is required, work with a professional art restorer to avoid any permanent damage to your acrylic painting.

3. Avoid Heat

Acrylic paint is very susceptible to heat. It's important that you hang and store your painting properly if you want to avoid having heat damage the structural integrity of the paint itself.

Never hang your acrylic painting in an area where it will be in direct sunlight. Maintain a safe distance from any HVAC vents and returns when selecting a spot to showcase your acrylic art.

If you do need to place the painting in storage, only use a climate-controlled storage unit.

By avoiding any exposure to heat, you will ensure that your painting remains stable and vibrant for many years to come.

Contact an art dealer to learn more about caring for paintings or for information about products like scenic New Mexico acrylic paintings for sale.