HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR FINE ART PRINTS
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR FINE ART PRINTS
Why You Need to Care for Your Artwork
All Studio Ninon artwork is printed on 100% cotton fine art paper that is acid & lignin free (archival). By nature, archival paper is designed to last a very long time however it is delicate and needs to be handled with care. Fine art archival paper is used in the world’s finest museums due to its longevity of up to 200 years when handled properly. It is important to understand that the long-term quality of the artwork you purchase is highly dependent on how you care for your piece. The following guide is provided to give you a starting point on how to handle your print properly once you have received it.
All Studio Ninon artwork is printed on 100% cotton fine art paper that is acid & lignin free (archival). By nature, archival paper is designed to last a very long time however it is delicate and needs to be handled with care. Fine art archival paper is used in the world’s finest museums due to its longevity of up to 200 years when handled properly. It is important to understand that the long-term quality of the artwork you purchase is highly dependent on how you care for your piece. The following guide is provided to give you a starting point on how to handle your print properly once you have received it.
Step by Step Guide
Recommended Handling Instructions Upon Receipt
Your artwork will arrive carefully packaged so please be mindful when opening to reveal the print(s). Ensure not to touch the printed surface of the Giclée image, as the delicate fine art paper & ink can be susceptible to scratching or blemishing, even with the slightest touch.
Be aware that the oils and contaminants on your hands can attack the print(s) and cause discolouration/fading over time. Our recommended practice is to wash your hands thoroughly or use white cotton gloves before handling the prints.
Unrolling Your Sustainable Fine Art Print
If your print has been ordered with a matching frame, please proceed directly to STEP 3.
If a paired frame has not been purchased, our larger sized prints (12×16, 16×20 and 24×36) will be rolled and shipped in a sustainable mailing tube.
In order to flatten your artwork carefully, first roll out your print on a clean flat surface, ensuring to keep the printed side facing upwards and covered with the acid free tissue paper provided. Next, place clean, heavy, flat items (books work great) on the corners of the print. Avoid stacking anything directly on top and leave for 24 hours.
Hanging Your Artwork
The environment your print lives in plays a major role in the protection and longevity of your artwork. There are five main environmental factors that you need to look out for and keep in check to ensure the long-term quality of your piece:
1) Light – Keep your print out of direct sunlight (especially south-facing light) and high-intensity artificial light.
2) Temperature – Keep prints in a cool environment, preferably within the range of 16°-22°C. Don’t hang prints near areas that get too hot or cold, like fireplaces, radiators, or air-conditioners. Warm or moist conditions accelerate deterioration and encourage mold growth and insect activity.
3) Humidity – Maintain a relative humidity between 35 and 55%; if humidity is too high the print can be damaged, and if it’s too low the paper can become brittle. Avoid hanging your fine art print somewhere that is very humid, like a steamy bathroom or next to a humidifier.
4) Pollution – Protect from dust, dirt and other pollutants for the best protection.
5) Pests – Pests are more inclined to live with your prints in a humid environment as opposed to a drier one. By keeping the temperature and humidity in check, you can avoid pest problems.