How to Look After Your Print

A Guide to Preserving Your Treasured Art

Firstly, yay! - You're ready to buy a print. We know they are precious memories, artworks, and mementos that hold a special place in your heart. To help ensure your print remains in pristine condition for years to come, we've put together this guide on how to look after your print.

We're committed to using premium materials like Ilford art quality paper and pigment based inks which resists fading over time, compared to dye based inks. Each print is to order, which not only reduces our carbon footprint by not having lots of stock on hand, but ensures that you receive top notch prints. Now, let's explore the best practices for preserving your art.

Handle with care

The first step to preserving your print, is handling with care. Always touch your print with clean, dry hands to avoid transferring oils or dirt onto the paper. If possible, use white cotton gloves to handle your print, especially when framing. Avoid placing unnecessary pressure on the surface of the print, and never fold or crease it.

Framing

Framing your print not only enhances the visual appeal, but also provides protection from environmental factors. If you're planning to frame your print yourself, keep in mind the following:

• Use acid free, matting and backing to prevent yellowing and damage.
• Choose UV protective glass or acrylic to shield your print from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of fading.
• Ensure your frame is of high quality and well sealed to prevent moisture and dust from entering.

Display considerations

Where and how you display your prints can significantly impact their longevity. Keep the following points in mind:

• Avoid direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading and deterioration of your prints. Display them in a location away from direct sunlight or use UV protective glass as mentioned earlier.
• Maintain consistent humidity: Extreme changes in humidity levels can damage your prints. Aim to keep the humidity in your home or display area stable.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Fluctuations in temperature can lead to the expansion and contraction of the paper, potentially causing warping or cracking. Keep your prints in a stable, moderate temperature environment

4. Cleaning

Dust and dirt can accumulate on the surface of your prints over time. To clean them, follow these steps:

• Use a soft, clean brush or compressed air to remove loose particles.
• Gently wipe the surface with a microfibre cloth or archival paper cleaning pad. Do not use regular household cleaning products or abrasive materials.
• If you're unsure about cleaning, you can contact us for information. 

5. Storage

If you have prints that you're not currently displaying, proper storage is essential to prevent damage. Store your prints flat, in a cool, dry, and dark place. Use archival, acid free folders or boxes to protect them from dust and light exposure. Make sure to separate each print with acid-free tissue paper or glassine to prevent sticking.

So there you have it, your top quality prints are safe and sound with proper care. If you have any questions or need further guidance on preserving your prints, leave a comment below.