How you care for your prints can make all the difference in the life of your photos. How, you ask? Following these simple rules will help!
You should care for your fine art prints just as you would any delicate and valuable artwork. With proper handling, your prints will remain in pristine condition for many years.
First, lets start with your paper prints!
Handling
Natural skin oils or other contaminants can easily transfer to the print. It's recommended that you wash your hands before touching a photograph. When possible wear clean, white cotton gloves that are designed for handling art.
Support the back of a print by using both hands when picking up the photograph.
Never rub the surface of the image with your finger or fingernail, as this could scratch the surface of the print.
The Elements
Keep your print out of direct sunlight. Even the best quality materials are subject to cracking or fading if exposed to prolonged periods of sunlight. Normal incandescent light bulbs do not present a problem for photographic images; however, fluorescent lights do emit harmful ultraviolet rays.
Try to hang your print away from areas with airborne dust and pollutants such as cigarette smoke, as they can leave a discoloring residue.
Avoid extreme fluctuations in moisture and temperature. Excessive dryness and humidity, or extreme heat and cold can negatively affect the state of your print. If the humidity is too high, be on the lookout for mold.
Framing
Use a good quality glass designed for protecting fine art and photos. It's also recommended to use an acid-free archival mat to prevent the print and glass from touching.
Storage
Store your print away from anything that might press against the surface. This will prevent accidents. Some objects may not seem sharp enough to damage the print, but you'd be surprised at what will cause a scratch, a tear, or a rip.
Do not stack prints on top of each other. Separate them with pieces of acid-free paper to avoid damage.
If you plan to transport your print, wrap it well, put a piece of acid-free paper over the front of it and pack it securely to prevent damage to the print.
Do not cover your print with plastic for long periods of time. If there is humidity in the air, the mold may begin to grow. Cotton, acid-free sheets are the best for keeping dust away.
Cleaning
The print should be dusted with a clean, soft rag, to prevent dust buildup. Never use cleaning products or water as this may permanently damage the print.
Do not blow on your print as you may inadvertently deposit water droplets that can mark your print.
If using compressed air, apply short bursts while keeping the nozzle at least 12" back from the face of the print.
Now, lets talk about your gallery wrapped canvas prints! They probably cost you a pretty penny, but having those precious memories grace your walls was so worth it, right? Here are a few recommendations on how to care for your canvas print.
Just like your fine art prints, you'll want to avoid displaying your print in direct sunlight or bright indirect un-UV filtered sunlight as well as fluorescent lighting. Sunlight and fluorescent lights both emit UV light that can fade and damage prints over time.
If you must handle the print, avoid putting pressure on the image. A canvas is fabric and will stretch or tear if care isn’t taken. Handle your canvas print by always holding onto the sides where the stretcher bars are located.
Never attempt to rub the surface of the image with your finger or fingernail as this could scratch the surface of the print.
Lightly dust your print with a soft cloth or duster on a regular basis to prevent any dust buildup.
If necessary, gently wipe your print with a soft cloth that has been slightly dampened with water.
Never use chemicals to clean your print. Your print has been treated with a UV protective coating that can break down if cleaned with chemicals.
Canvas needs to breath, so don’t store prints in airtight containers such as plastic bags or behind glass. Moisture may become trapped inside causing damage to the image.
Canvas experiences small, subtle shifts over time due to mild atmospheric changes, so it's best to display them to allow for natural airflow.
It is not advisable to display your print where air pollutants, heat and high humidity can be of concern. Kitchens, bathrooms, or heat sources such as forced air vents and radiators should be avoided.
These tips are the best way to keep your legacy of memories alive and passed down from generation to generation for years to come!
If you are have images from our sessions you would like to memorialize on gallery wrapped canvas or fine art mounted and framed wall art......or if you would like to book a session, please contact me for assistance.
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