How to Take Care of Your Handmade Lippan Decor ?
A Treasure Worth Preserving
Handmade Lippan art is more than just decor – it is tradition molded in clay, studded with mirrors, and finished with love. When you bring a Lippan piece into your home, you are not just decorating your walls, but also carrying forward a heritage of storytelling and craftsmanship.
But like all handmade treasures, Lippan art thrives when it is cared for thoughtfully. Since it is made of natural clay, mirrors, and delicate designs, it needs a little extra attention compared to mass-produced decor. With proper care, your Lippan art can remain as stunning and soulful as the day you brought it home.
This guide will help you understand how to clean, protect, and preserve your handmade Lippan decor so it continues to brighten your space for years to come.
1. Placement Matters: Choose the Right Spot
Lippan art is sensitive to moisture, extreme heat, and direct sunlight.
Avoid damp walls: Since the base is clay, placing it on walls prone to seepage or high humidity can damage the texture and cause cracks.
Keep away from direct sun: Constant sunlight may fade painted or colored sections and dull the mirrors over time.
Indoor is ideal: While Lippan looks gorgeous outdoors, the safest way to preserve it is to display it indoors, where the climate is more controlled.
✨ Pro Tip: If you want to display your Lippan outdoors (like in a balcony), choose a sealed and varnished version or request your artist to use a protective coating.
2. Gentle Cleaning: Dust Without Damage
Clay and mirrors make a delicate pair – which means cleaning requires a careful approach.
Regular dusting: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth or a feather duster once a week to prevent dust buildup.
For intricate details: Use a clean, soft-bristled paintbrush or makeup brush to reach tiny corners.
Avoid wet cleaning: Never use a damp cloth or cleaning sprays, as moisture can loosen the clay and damage the finish.
✨ Remember: The mirrors may tempt you to wipe them with glass cleaner, but avoid it unless your piece has a strong protective coating.
3. Handle With Care: Move Mindfully
Unlike factory made decor, handmade Lippan art is fragile. The clay reliefs and embedded mirrors can chip or crack if handled roughly.
Always lift with both hands, supporting the bottom and sides.
When shifting large wall panels, have two people carry it to prevent bending or sudden shocks.
Avoid dragging frames against the wall or floor.
If a mirror piece ever loosens, you can use clear adhesive to secure it back carefully – but avoid using industrial glue that might stain the clay.
4. Protection Against Humidity & Dust
One of the biggest threats to Lippan art is moisture. Clay naturally absorbs water, which can cause softening, cracks, or mold in extreme cases.
If you live in a humid region, place your Lippan decor in an air-conditioned or well-ventilated room.
A thin layer of transparent varnish or sealant (applied by a professional or the artist) can help protect the clay surface without affecting its natural look.
Cover unused or stored Lippan pieces with cotton cloths instead of plastic, as plastic traps moisture.
5. Seasonal Care: Festive Shine Without Harm
Festivals often inspire us to give our homes a sparkling clean but be mindful when sprucing up your Lippan art.
Avoid water splashes, incense ash, or candle wax near the piece.
Do not spray room fresheners, perfumes, or cleaning sprays directly on it.
If you decorate your space with flowers and diyas, ensure your Lippan panel is kept at a safe distance from flame and moisture.
✨ Festive tip: Mirrors on Lippan reflect light beautifully, so instead of placing diyas right next to it, arrange them nearby for a glowing effect without risk.
6. Repair & Restoration: When Time Shows Its Hand
Over years, you might notice minor cracks, faded color, or loose mirrors. Don’t worry this is natural with handmade clay art.
Small cracks can be filled in with matching clay paste or chalk powder mixed with fevicol.
Faded sections can often be touched up by the artist using natural colors.
For major restoration, always reach out to the artisan or a restorer who understands Lippan’s technique.
Avoid DIY experiments with harsh paints or adhesives – they may permanently damage the authenticity of your piece.
7. Storage: Keeping Unused Pieces Safe
If you need to store your Lippan art (say, during a move or while redecorating), do it carefully:
Wrap the piece in soft cotton or muslin cloth (never bubble wrap directly on clay as it can stick or leave marks).
Store upright, not flat, to avoid pressure on clay reliefs.
Keep in a dry, cool space away from heavy objects that could fall on it.
8. Loving Your Art: More Than Just Care
Taking care of Lippan decor is not just about dusting or protecting it – it’s about respecting the heritage it carries. Every mirror piece was pressed by hand, every clay motif shaped with patience. By giving it thoughtful care, you keep alive the effort of the artisan and the centuries of tradition behind it.
Conclusion: Preserve the Glow, Cherish the Story
Your handmade Lippan decor is more than a wall hanging – it is a piece of India’s desert heart, crafted with earth, mirror, and memory. With mindful placement, gentle cleaning, and seasonal care, it will remain a radiant part of your home for years.
Remember: unlike mass-produced decor, handmade pieces carry small imperfections – but these are what make them perfectly unique. By caring for your Lippan art, you’re not just maintaining its shine, but also honoring the craft and the stories it holds.
So the next time you dust your Lippan piece, do it with a smile – knowing you are preserving both art and heritage.
> Looking for authentic, easy-to-maintain Lippan art for your home? Explore our handpicked collection, designed to blend tradition with durability – bringing desert artistry into modern living.
