How to Clean Skateboard Wall Art: Microfibre Cloth, Mild Soap, and What Never to Use

Last updated: May 2026 · By Stanislav Arnautov · Berlin

A DeckArts skateboard deck on a wall accumulates the same surface deposits as any other object in a domestic interior: dust, fingerprints, airborne cooking grease in kitchens, mineral deposits from condensate in bathrooms, and occasionally accidental marks from contact. The UV archival photopolymer ink surface is chemically resistant and durable under normal domestic conditions, but correct cleaning is important to maintain optical clarity and avoid scratching the surface. This guide covers every cleaning scenario, with specific product recommendations and a complete list of what to avoid. DeckArts Berlin from ~$140.

What the Surface Is: UV Archival Photopolymer on Maple

Understanding the surface chemistry helps in choosing the correct cleaning approach. The printed surface of a DeckArts deck consists of UV-curable pigment inks that have been cured by ultraviolet light into a cross-linked photopolymer network directly bonded to the Canadian maple substrate. The photopolymer network is:

Chemically resistant to water and many common solvents: The cross-linked polymer network does not absorb water or standard household cleaning products (diluted dish soap, diluted white vinegar). This means most common cleaning scenarios (dust, fingerprints, light grease) can be addressed with a damp cloth and mild soap without risk to the print surface.

Sensitive to abrasion: The photopolymer surface is hard but not impervious to scratching. Abrasive cleaning materials — scouring pads, rough cloths, abrasive cleaning powders — will scratch the surface at a microscopic level. Repeated abrasive cleaning accumulates micro-scratches that reduce the surface's optical clarity (the print looks progressively less sharp) and eventually visibly damage the surface. Always use soft, non-abrasive materials for cleaning.

Sensitive to specific solvents: Strong solvents — acetone (nail polish remover), toluene, xylene, and some strong alcohol-based cleaners — can attack the photopolymer network, potentially softening or dissolving it. These should never be used on the print surface. Isopropyl alcohol at low concentrations (below 30%) is generally safe for brief contact; concentrated isopropyl alcohol (70%+) should be tested in a small inconspicuous area before use.

The maple edges are uncoated natural wood: The deck's side edges and the areas of natural maple grain visible on the deck's face (where the maple is not covered by the print) are bare uncoated wood. These areas respond to moisture differently from the coated print surface: they can absorb water and swell slightly if wet. Avoid wetting the maple edges during cleaning; dry immediately if they become damp.

Routine Cleaning: Dry Microfibre Cloth

For routine maintenance (dust removal, light surface cleaning), a dry microfibre cloth is all you need and all you should use in most circumstances. Microfibre's specific property: the fibres are extremely fine (approximately 1/100th the diameter of a human hair) and create a large total surface area that physically traps dust particles through electrostatic attraction rather than requiring any liquid cleaning agent. A single pass of a dry microfibre cloth removes dust that a cotton cloth would only push around.

Technique: Wipe from top to bottom with light, even pressure. Do not scrub or rub in circular motion — always wipe in straight strokes from top to bottom. Circular rubbing concentrates pressure on specific areas and increases the risk of micro-scratching. Light downward strokes with the microfibre cloth remove dust and light surface deposits without any risk to the photopolymer surface.

Frequency: Dry dusting every 4–8 weeks is sufficient for most domestic installations. In rooms with higher airborne particle loads (near fireplaces, in smoky environments, in rooms with high foot traffic), more frequent dusting may be necessary. Visual inspection: if the surface appears dull compared to how it looked when newly installed, dust accumulation is likely the cause and a dry microfibre wipe will restore clarity.

Which microfibre cloths to use: Any quality domestic microfibre cloth is appropriate. Avoid:

• Paper towels (too abrasive — their fibres are coarser than microfibre and will scratch the surface over time)
• Cotton cloth (less effective at trapping dust; can leave lint)
• Synthetic scouring cloths or rough cloths of any kind (will scratch)

Fingerprints and Light Grease: Mild Soap Solution

Fingerprints are the most common surface deposit on wall art in accessible locations (beside a bed, in a hallway at reach height, beside a washbasin). Fingerprints leave a thin film of skin oil, salt, and water on the surface that is not removed by dry dusting but requires a very mild cleaning agent.

Method: Mix one to two drops of mild liquid dish soap in 500 ml of clean room-temperature water. Dampen a microfibre cloth lightly in this solution — the cloth should be damp, not wet. Excess water in the cloth can migrate to the maple edges during cleaning; the cloth should feel barely moist, not dripping. Wipe the fingerprinted area with light even downward strokes. Follow immediately with a second dry microfibre cloth to remove any residual moisture. The surface should be completely dry within 30 seconds of cleaning.

Product recommendation: Any gentle pH-neutral dish soap is appropriate. Avoid dish soaps with added abrasive particles, bleach, or anti-bacterial agents that contain bleaching components. Simple transparent or pale dish soap (Fairy, Dawn, or equivalent) diluted to approximately 0.1–0.2% concentration (1–2 drops per 500 ml water) is correct.

For stubborn fingerprints or light grease spots: Increase the soap concentration slightly (3–4 drops per 500 ml), apply to the specific area with a damp microfibre cloth, allow to sit for 5–10 seconds (do not scrub), then wipe with a clean damp cloth and immediately dry with a dry microfibre cloth.

Bathroom and Kitchen: Mineral Deposits and Soap Film

Bathroom installations accumulate specific deposits that living room or bedroom installations do not encounter: calcium and magnesium mineral deposits from hard water condensate, and soap film from showering and bathing. Kitchen installations near the cooker accumulate airborne cooking oil and grease. These require slightly more specific cleaning approaches.

Mineral deposits (white chalky marks from hard water): Mix equal parts white vinegar (5% acetic acid) and water. Apply to a microfibre cloth — damp, not wet. Wipe the affected area with light strokes. Allow to sit for 10–15 seconds (the mild acidity dissolves the calcium carbonate mineral deposits). Wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove the vinegar solution and the dissolved deposits. Dry immediately with a dry microfibre cloth. The 5% acetic acid concentration of standard white vinegar is below the threshold that would attack the photopolymer surface.

Soap film (milky haze from bathroom use): The same white vinegar solution as above removes soap film. Soap (sodium or potassium fatty acid salts) is dissolved by the mild acidity of diluted white vinegar. Apply, allow brief contact, wipe, and dry immediately.

Kitchen grease and cooking oil accumulation: Use the mild dish soap solution described above (1–2 drops per 500 ml water) applied with a damp microfibre cloth. Cooking oil is an organic compound that is effectively dissolved by dish soap's surfactant molecules. For heavier grease accumulation (months without cleaning in a high-cooking-activity kitchen): increase soap concentration slightly and allow 15–20 seconds contact time before wiping. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and dry immediately.

What Not to Use: Complete No-List

Sunlight and UV Exposure: The One Real Enemy

The UV archival photopolymer inks are rated at ASTM I lightfastness — the highest available rating, expected to retain 90%+ of initial density for 100+ years under standard indoor illumination. The critical qualifier is "standard indoor illumination" — defined as approximately 50–200 lux for 12 hours per day. This is the light level in a normal domestic room without direct sunlight.

Direct sunlight through a window is not standard indoor illumination. Direct solar irradiance at a window can reach 10,000–100,000 lux — 50 to 500 times the level assumed in the ASTM I lightfastness rating. Under direct sunlight, the accelerated UV exposure would reduce the 100+ year lightfastness rating to approximately 20–40 years at the high end and 2–5 years at the extreme (direct unshaded summer sun).

The practical rule: Do not hang the deck in a position where direct sunlight falls on its surface for extended periods. A position on a wall that receives indirect natural light (no direct solar beam on the surface) is within the ASTM I rating's assumptions. A position on a wall where the sun shines directly on the surface for 2+ hours per day is outside the rating's assumptions and will accelerate fade significantly.

If your preferred installation position receives direct sunlight: Consider a UV-filtering window film (applied to the window glass) to reduce the UV component of the solar radiation reaching the deck. UV-filtering window films are commercially available and can reduce UV transmission by 70–99%, extending the effective lightfastness of the print surface significantly.

Caring for the Natural Maple Edges

The deck's natural maple edges (the narrow side surfaces visible when viewed from the side) and any natural maple areas on the deck face that are not covered by the print are bare uncoated wood. These areas require different care from the coated print surface:

Keep dry: Do not wet the maple edges during cleaning. If the edges become damp during cleaning, dry immediately with a dry cloth. Prolonged moisture on the bare maple can cause slight surface swelling that may affect the deck's hanging flatness.

Light conditioning (optional): If the maple edges become visibly dry or slightly rough after years of display, a very small amount of natural wood oil (teak oil, Danish oil, or linseed oil) applied to the edges with a dry cloth will condition the wood and restore its warm amber appearance. Do not apply oil to the printed face surface — oil on the print surface will create a permanent haze.

If You Need to Store or Move the Deck

If you need to remove the deck from the wall for redecorating, moving house, or storage:

Cleaning before storage: Clean the deck with the mild soap solution and dry completely before wrapping or storing. Storing a deck with residual surface moisture or dust will trap deposits against the surface during storage.

Wrapping: Wrap the deck face in acid-free tissue paper (available from art supply stores) before wrapping in bubble wrap. Do not wrap the deck face directly in bubble wrap or plastic film — the plastic can print a pattern onto the photopolymer surface if stored under any pressure. Acid-free tissue paper provides a neutral layer between the print face and any packaging material.

Storage position: Store the deck vertically (leaning against a wall, nose up) rather than flat. If stored flat under other objects, the pressure and any residual moisture in the storage environment can affect the maple laminate. Vertical storage in a dry environment (relative humidity 40–60%) is ideal. Avoid storage in garages, basements, or attics where humidity variation is significant.

FAQ

How do you clean skateboard wall art?

For routine dust: dry microfibre cloth, light downward strokes, every 4–8 weeks. For fingerprints: 1–2 drops mild dish soap in 500 ml water, damp microfibre cloth, wipe gently, dry immediately. For bathroom mineral deposits or soap film: equal parts white vinegar and water, damp microfibre, 10–15 seconds contact, wipe with clean damp cloth, dry immediately. Never use: acetone, abrasive pads, paper towels, bleach, concentrated isopropyl alcohol, steam cleaners. DeckArts from ~$140.

Can I use Windex or glass cleaner on skateboard wall art?

Check the label: if the glass cleaner contains ammonia (most Windex formulas do), do not use it on the UV archival print surface. Ammonia can attack the photopolymer network. Ammonia-free glass cleaners are generally safe but may leave a slight film. The recommended cleaning agent is 1–2 drops mild dish soap in 500 ml water — it is safer, cheaper, and more effective than glass cleaner for the specific deposits that accumulate on wall art. DeckArts from ~$140.

Will the print fade in sunlight?

Under standard indoor illumination (50–200 lux, no direct solar beam), the UV archival print is rated ASTM I: 100+ years to less than 10% density loss. Under direct sunlight through a window (10,000–100,000 lux), the accelerated UV exposure would reduce the effective lifespan to 2–40 years depending on intensity and duration. Do not install in a position where direct sunlight falls on the print surface for extended periods. UV-filtering window film can protect against solar UV while maintaining natural light. DeckArts from ~$140.

Article Summary

How to clean DeckArts skateboard wall art. Surface: UV archival photopolymer on Canadian maple — chemically resistant to water and mild soap; sensitive to abrasion (always soft microfibre, never paper towel or abrasive pad) and to strong solvents (no acetone, no concentrated isopropyl, no bleach). Routine: dry microfibre, downward strokes, every 4–8 weeks. Fingerprints/light grease: 1–2 drops mild dish soap in 500 ml water, damp microfibre, dry immediately. Bathroom mineral deposits: equal parts white vinegar + water, 10–15 seconds contact, wipe and dry. Kitchen grease: mild dish soap solution, slightly longer contact, wipe and dry. No-list: acetone (dissolves photopolymer), bleach (bleaches pigments), abrasive powders and pads (scratch surface), paper towels (coarser than microfibre, scratch over time), ammonia-based glass cleaners (attacks photopolymer), spray wax/polish (films surface), steam cleaners (softens/blisters photopolymer). Sunlight: ASTM I rating assumes 50–200 lux (indoor, no direct sun); direct solar radiation is 10,000–100,000 lux, reduces effective lifespan to 2–40 years; use UV-filtering window film if needed. Maple edges: keep dry, light oil conditioning if visibly dry after years. Storage: clean first, acid-free tissue before bubble wrap, store vertically in 40–60% RH environment. DeckArts from ~$140. Canadian maple. UV archival 100+ years. Berlin. 30-day return.

About the Author

Stanislav Arnautov is the founder of DeckArts and a creative director from Ukraine based in Berlin.