How to Clean & Care for Metal Prints (So They Last Years)

One of the best things about metal wall art is how little it asks of you — but knowing how to clean metal prints properly keeps them looking as good as the day they arrived. A metal print is far tougher than paper or canvas, yet an occasional, correct wipe keeps the colours vivid and the glossy surface free of dust and fingerprints. Here's the simple, safe way to care for yours.

What you'll need

Nothing special — just:

• A soft, clean microfiber cloth (two, ideally — one for wiping, one for buffing).
• Plain water.
• A drop of mild dish soap for stubborn marks (optional).

Skip the household sprays and paper towels; the softer your kit, the safer the finish.

How to clean metal prints, step by step

Follow these four steps and the whole job takes about a minute:

1. Dust first. Wipe the surface with a dry microfiber cloth to lift dust, using light, even strokes.
2. For smudges, lightly dampen the cloth with plain water and wipe gently, then follow with a dry cloth.
3. For stubborn marks, add a drop of mild dish soap to the water on the cloth — never poured onto the artwork — wipe, then rinse the cloth and wipe again.
4. Buff dry with a clean, dry cloth to bring back the gloss and avoid water spots.

A quick pass every few weeks keeps the piece looking new; a deeper wipe is only needed when you spot a smudge.

What to avoid

To protect the coating, steer clear of these:

• Harsh chemicals — no bleach, ammonia or strong glass cleaners; they can dull the finish.
• Abrasive pads or scrubbers — they scratch the glossy surface, so use soft cloths only.
• Soaking or spraying directly — apply any moisture to the cloth, not the artwork, and never submerge it.
• Rough paper towels — they can leave fine scratches and lint behind.

Don't forget the mount and the wall

The peel-and-stick magnetic mount needs almost no attention, but if you ever move a piece, wipe the wall strip with a dry cloth before re-sticking so it grips cleanly. A quick dust of the wall around it keeps the whole display looking crisp.

Keeping the colours vivid for years

Quality prints on metal are fade-resistant and shrug off humidity — a big reason they outlast paper and canvas. To keep one at its best for as long as possible, avoid hanging it in harsh, all-day direct sunlight, just as you would any artwork. In a normal room it will stay bright for years with almost no effort on your part.

Curious how the materials compare for durability? Read our breakdown of metal posters vs canvas vs paper, or the full guide to metal prints in India.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use glass cleaner on a metal print?

It's best avoided — many glass cleaners contain ammonia, which can dull the coating over time. Plain water, or a drop of mild dish soap on a microfiber cloth, is safer and works just as well.

How often should I clean it?

A light dust every few weeks is plenty for most rooms; a deeper wipe only when you spot smudges or fingerprints.

Do metal prints fade over time?

Quality ones are fade-resistant and keep their colour for years. Keeping the piece out of harsh, all-day direct sun helps it last even longer.

Can I hang one in a kitchen or bathroom?

Yes — metal handles humidity far better than paper or canvas, so a well-ventilated kitchen or bathroom is fine. Just wipe off any cooking residue with a damp cloth.

Will cleaning scratch the surface?

Not if you stick to a soft microfiber cloth and avoid abrasive pads or rough paper towels. Gentle, even strokes are all it takes.

The bottom line

Knowing how to clean metal prints takes about a minute: dust with a microfiber cloth, spot-clean with a little water, and buff dry — no harsh chemicals, no scrubbing. That low-maintenance durability is exactly why metal is worth choosing over paper or canvas.

Shop metal prints → or create your own custom metal print →.