How to Care for Your Art Print

Proper care and maintenance of your art prints are essential to preserve their beauty and value over time. This comprehensive guide delves into various aspects of art print care, providing detailed insights to help you maintain your collection in pristine condition.

Should prints be framed?

For optimal protection, it is recommended to frame your prints under UV-protective glass. This type of glass helps to block harmful UV rays that can cause fading and deterioration over time. 

To keep your poster looking its best, we offer framed prints with shatterproof, transparent plexiglass (also known as acrylic glass) to protect it from damage. Not only does it provide a clear and unobstructed view of your artwork, but it also offers UV protection to prevent fading over time.

Framing and Glazing Options

• Archival Materials: Use acid-free mats and backing boards to prevent acid migration, which can discolour and damage prints over time.
• Glazing Options: Opt for UV-protective glass or acrylic to shield your prints from harmful light exposure. Non-glare glazing can also be beneficial in rooms with bright lighting.
• Sealing: Ensure the frame is properly sealed to keep out dust, pollutants, and insects. However, allow for slight ventilation to prevent moisture buildup inside the frame.

How can I prevent damage from sunlight and other natural sources?

The location where you display your art prints significantly impacts their longevity.

Display Considerations

• Lighting: Avoid placing prints in direct sunlight or under strong artificial lights, as ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause colours to fade and paper to deteriorate. Consider using UV-filtering glass or acrylic glazing to provide additional protection.
• Temperature and Humidity: Display prints in environments with stable temperature and humidity levels. High humidity can lead to mould growth and paper warping, while excessive dryness can cause brittleness. If you'd like to get into the nitty gritty of it: Aim for a relative humidity of 40-50% and a temperature range of 18-21°C (65-70°F).
• Placement: Keep art a safe distance from water sources, like sinks and showers, to prevent moisture damage

How should prints be handled?

Handle your prints with care to avoid smudges or damage. It is best to use clean, dry hands when touching prints. Alternatively, you can wear clean cotton or silk gloves to prevent oils and dirt from transferring onto the print surface.

Handling Your Art Prints

When handling art prints, it's crucial to minimise direct contact to prevent oils and dirt from transferring onto the artwork.

• Use of Gloves: Always wear clean, white cotton or nitrile gloves when handling prints. This practice prevents oils and dirt from your hands from transferring onto the artwork, which can cause staining or degradation over time.
• Support: Ensure that larger prints are adequately supported to prevent bending or creasing. Use both hands and consider placing the print on a rigid, clean surface during handling.

Should prints be cleaned?

Even if your prints are neatly framed and regularly dusted, they can accumulate dust or dirt over time. If this happens, gently wipe them with a soft, dry cloth. Here are some detailed tips:

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning and maintenance are vital to keep your art prints looking their best.

• Dusting: Gently dust the surface of the print and its frame using a soft, dry micro fibre cloth or a feather duster. Avoid using any chemicals or water, as they may damage the delicate surface. The microfibre cloth (or lense cloth) ensures that no small hairs, dust or fibres are transferred onto the print and small dust on the prints are taken off, rather than spread.
  
• Frame Cleaning: Clean the glass or acrylic glazing of framed prints with a soft cloth. For stubborn spots, slightly dampen the cloth with water; avoid spraying liquids directly onto the glazing to prevent moisture from seeping behind the glass.

By following these guidelines for print care, you can ensure that your prints remain in pristine condition for years to come. Proper framing, handling, and maintenance are key to preserving the beauty and integrity of your cherished prints.