Caring For Your Fine-Art Print
Learn how to properly care for your fine-art print. From when it first arrives to once its up on your wall, I share some basic guidelines to help you preserve your fine-art print, so you can keep it looking just as amazing for the next hundred years!
Handling and Touching
Fine-Art prints can last for more than 100 years when properly cared for. Unlike traditional paper, the paper used for fine-art won’t yellow and your print will retain its colour and vibrancy. Proper care and handling is key to ensuring this longevity.
If you plan on getting your print framed, the best practice is to take it directly to the framer without removing it from its protective packaging and tube (as tempting as it might be!). While I use highly protective tubes when shipping my prints, they can become damaged if not handled correctly.
If you’ll be framing the print yourself, minimise contact with the print, as your hands contain natural oils that can easily cause discolouration or marks, particularly on the printed area. Where possible, please try to wear white cotton gloves designed for art handling.
I leave an approximately 3cm border around the photograph to allow for handling, so if you need to, hold the print by these edges. Avoid using your fingers (whether gloved or not) to rub the surface of your print or wipe away dust.
Important Note: If your print is quite dark or contains dark areas (for example, Tower Bridge or Lovebirds) exercise extra caution not to touch or scratch these darker areas, as this can be more visible.
A pair of white cotton gloves helps stop the transfer of natural oils from your hands to the printMatting, Mounting, and Framing
When framing a fine-art print, choose acid-free and archival grade materials for the mounting board, mat board, and any tapes or adhesives you use. When framing my prints, I prefer using acid-free linen cloth hinging tape from Lineco and Daler-Rowney backing boards, which are available at the London Graphic Centre.
Always protect your fine-art print behind glass once it is framed. UV glass is a good option as it provides extra protection against harmful UV rays. Even when your print is framed, it can still be susceptible to environmental changes, so protect it from high temperatures and moisture.
Lineco Self-Adhesive Linen Hinging Tape
Daler-Rowney Studland Mountboard
Lineco Acid-Free Linen Cloth TapeDisplaying Your Fine-Art Print
Once you have your print framed, the next step is to hang it on your wall. However, choosing the right place to hang your print involves more than just aesthetics. These are a few points to keep in mind when choosing where to hang your print.
The Sun
Avoid placing your print in direct sunlight at all costs. Exposure to direct sunlight can quickly lead to fading and discolouration due to UV radiation. Instead, hang your print in a location that shields it from the sun’s rays.
Humidity and Temperature
Keep your print out of spaces with fluctuating temperatures and humidity, such as above a stovetop, near a radiator, or in a bathroom. If moisture gets into your frame, the print can become brittle, and varying or high temperatures can also cause damage to your print.
To Conclude
Caring for your fine-art print is essential for preserving its beauty and value. From handling your print when it first arrives to displaying it when it’s all ready and framed, each step plays a role in ensuring your print lasts a lifetime.
By following these guidelines, you can protect your artwork and enjoy it for years to come. Whether it adorns your walls or enriches your collection, your fine-art print deserves the best care you can provide.
Prints Mentioned In This Article
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