How to Care for Fine Art Prints
— Framing, Display & Cleaning Guide

Fine art giclée prints are produced to last — but how long they actually last depends largely on how they're displayed, handled, and maintained. The good news is that with a few simple habits, a quality print can look as good in twenty years as it does on the day it arrives.

This guide covers everything you need to know, whether you're hanging a print for the first time or looking after an existing collection.

Should Prints Be Framed?

Framing is the single most important thing you can do to protect a fine art print. An unframed print is vulnerable to humidity changes, dust, accidental handling, and UV exposure. A well-chosen frame with the right glazing will dramatically extend its life.

Choosing the Right Glazing

The glazing — the clear panel that sits in front of the print — is where most of the protection comes from. There are three main options:

• Standard glass: The most affordable option but offers no UV protection. Fine for prints displayed away from light sources, but not recommended for long-term care.
• UV-protective glass: Blocks the vast majority of UV rays that cause fading. Worth the extra cost for any print you want to last. Available from most framing shops.
• UV-protective acrylic (plexiglass): Lighter than glass, shatterproof, and offers excellent UV protection. The best choice for large prints or anywhere breakage is a concern.

Archival Framing Materials

If longevity matters, use acid-free mat boards and backing boards inside the frame. Standard cardboard and paper-based backing materials are acidic and will eventually cause yellowing and deterioration where they contact the print. Acid-free materials are available from specialist framers and art supply shops.

Sealing the Frame

A well-sealed frame keeps out dust, pollutants, and insects. However, avoid making it completely airtight — a small amount of ventilation prevents moisture buildup inside the frame, which can cause mould and paper warping.

Display & Location

Where you hang a print matters almost as much as how it's framed. The environment around a print — light levels, temperature, humidity — all affect how it ages.

Temperature & Humidity

Paper is hygroscopic — it absorbs and releases moisture as humidity changes. Repeated cycling causes the paper to expand and contract, eventually leading to warping, cockling, and in extreme cases, mould growth.

• Ideal humidity: 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid bathrooms, kitchens, and anywhere near steam sources.
• Ideal temperature: 18–21°C (65–70°F). Avoid exterior walls in cold climates where condensation can form.
• Avoid extremes: Conservatories and rooms that heat up significantly in summer are a risk. The temperature swings cause repeated stress on the paper and inks.

Distance from Water Sources

Keep prints well away from sinks, showers, humidifiers, and anywhere prone to splashing or condensation. Even occasional moisture exposure can cause staining and paper damage that is very difficult to reverse.

Protecting Against Light Damage

Light — particularly UV light — is the primary cause of fading in art prints. Both natural sunlight and artificial lighting emit UV rays, though sunlight is significantly more damaging.

• Direct sunlight: Avoid at all costs. A print in direct sun can show visible fading within months.
• Indirect natural light: Fine, particularly with UV-protective glazing. Bright rooms are generally safe as long as the print isn't in the path of direct sun at any time of day.
• Artificial lighting: LED lights emit very little UV and are the safest choice for rooms where prints are displayed. Incandescent and halogen bulbs emit more UV and should be kept at a reasonable distance from artwork.
• Picture lighting: If using a dedicated picture light, choose an LED version. Position it to illuminate the print evenly without concentrating light on a single area.

How to Handle Prints

The oils and salts in fingerprints can cause permanent staining on fine art paper. When a print is unframed — either when you first receive it or if you're reframing it — handle it carefully.

• Clean hands or gloves: Wash and thoroughly dry your hands before handling, or use clean white cotton gloves. Avoid nitrile gloves, which can leave residue on matte paper surfaces.
• Support larger prints: Don't hold a large print by one corner — always support it from below with both hands or lay it on a clean, flat surface. Paper under stress can crease, and creases in fine art paper are essentially permanent.
• Avoid rolling: If you need to store a print temporarily, lay it flat between sheets of acid-free tissue paper rather than rolling it. Rolling can cause cracking in the ink layer, particularly in cold conditions.
• Storage: If storing unframed prints, keep them flat in a cool, dry location away from light. Acid-free tissue paper between prints prevents abrasion.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Framed prints require very little active maintenance. The main tasks are occasional dusting of the frame and glazing, and checking periodically that the frame seal remains intact.

Dusting the Frame

Use a soft, dry microfibre cloth to gently dust the frame and the front of the glazing. Work from top to bottom. Avoid feather dusters — they can scratch glazing and redistribute dust rather than removing it.

Cleaning the Glazing

For fingerprints or marks on the glass or acrylic, use a clean microfibre cloth slightly dampened with water. Never spray liquid directly onto the glazing — moisture can seep into the frame through the edges and damage the print. Always apply the liquid to the cloth first, then wipe.

Never Clean the Print Surface Directly

If a print becomes contaminated in some way — a spill, mould spotting, insect damage — do not attempt to clean it yourself. Contact a professional art conservator. DIY cleaning of fine art paper almost always makes the damage worse.

Quick Reference Summary

The essentials at a glance: