Fine Art Print Care Guide

Art Collector's Resources

So, you’ve got yourself a fine art print. Whether it’s one of mine or you’re visiting from outside, let’s chat about how to handle, display, and care for your print so it stays beautiful for years (and maybe centuries) to come.

What Even Is a Fine Art Print?

Let’s clear something up: “fine art print” isn’t just a fancy way of saying “poster.”

These prints, often called giclées, are made using archival-grade paper and high-quality pigment inks that give them incredible detail and vibrant colors.

They can last up to 200 years if you take good care of them. (No pressure!)

Unpacking Your Print Without Screwing It Up

Your print might show up rolled in a tube or sandwiched between stiff cardboard.

Most likely, it’s encased in a polyethylene sleeve, an extra shield against the elements.

These sleeves have size limits, so oversized prints are rolled in paper, which is unsuitable for long-term storage. If that’s the case, make sure to get it framed ASAP. (I’m working on a solution for this)

Important: handle your print like you’re disarming a bomb—be careful and gentle.

If It’s Rolled And Encased In Plastic:

KEEP IT IN THE PLASTIC SLEEVE. Lay it down on a clean, flat surface. Weigh down the edges with something heavy, books for example. Give it 24 hours to relax.

If It’s Rolled In Paper:

The best thing you can do is take it straight to a professional framer and let them handle the unrolling. They have the tools and expertise to flatten it safely, ensuring there are no accidental tears, scratches, or creases.

If you really want to take a peek, remember the rules below:

Proper Handling of Art Prints

The surface of matte papers is like velvet. It will soak up all the oil from your fingers. Wiping pesky lint away will leave a mark. A gentle brush against the surface will lead to a scratch.

Your print requires princess treatment. It doesn’t want fingerprints, smudges, or manhandling. Here’s how to keep it happy:

 

  • Glove up. White cotton gloves are your best friends (nitrile ones work too). The natural oils from your hands will degrade the print and leave behind shiny spots. If you don’t have any gloves, wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
  • Hold by the edges. Always handle your print by the white edges or corners. Touching the inked areas is strictly forbidden (by me).
  • Less is more. Only touch the print when you absolutely need to. The less handling, the better.

Art Print Framing Basics

A good frame protects your print and makes it look stunning on your wall. Here’s the lowdown:

 

  • Use archival materials. Think acid-free mats, UV-protective glass, and pH-neutral adhesives. Non-archival materials can cause discoloration and deterioration over time.
  • Don’t let glass touch the print. Always use a window mat or spacers. If the print sticks to the glass, it’s game over (thanks, humidity).
  • Get help. Do you know why I don’t offer framed prints? Because framing stuff drives me insane. Unless you’re an exquisitely patient creature, chances are you’ll lose your mind too. So call the pros. Professional framers know all the tricks and have all the materials. Totally worth it.
    P.S. Make sure your framer is the real deal—unfortunately, I’ve seen ‘professional’ work so bad it had me considering sacrificing the framer my sanity and framing things myself. Thankfully it’s a rare occurrence. Still, check the reviews, ask if they work with fine art prints, and never let them convince you to frame prints without glass/perspex.

Finding the Perfect Spot For a Fine Art Print

Where you hang your print matters more than you think. Here’s how to avoid accidental art murder:

 

  • Sunlight: Keep your print out of direct sunlight to avoid fading. Even UV-protective glass can only do so much.
  • Humidity: Bathrooms and basements? Hard pass. Aim for a spot with stable humidity levels (around 40–60%).
  • Temperature: Winter heating can drop humidity below 40%, which dries out the paper and makes it brittle. Hanging your print too close to the fireplace will have the same effect, not to mention the possibility of soot stains.
  • Rotate your display. If you’ve got a collection, give your prints a break from the spotlight now and then, it will prolong their life.

Storing Unframed Art Prints

Not ready to hang it yet? No problem. Just make sure you’re storing it safely:

 

  • Flat is best. Use archival boxes, portfolios, or protective sleeves to store your print flat. Rolling is okay for shipping but not great long-term.
  • Separate your prints. Use acid-free paper or sleeves to keep them from rubbing against each other.
  • Beware of bad surfaces. No cardboard or wood directly touching the print. Those materials can mess with your artwork over time.

Cleaning Art Prints

Whatever you do, don’t touch the print itself.

Dusting the frame is fine, but keep it gentle. Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe the frame and glass.

Don’t spray cleaner directly onto the glass—it can seep in and cause damage.

Summing Up

Fine art prints are special. They’re not just decorations—they’re memories, investments, and conversation starters.

A little care goes a long way. Keep it cool, dry, and out of the sun, and your print will stay as stunning as the day you got it.

Enjoy your art and don’t forget to show it off!

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