How to Care for Your Framed Art Prints to Preserve Their Beauty
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Framed wall art is a beautiful way to add personality and style to your home. It’s important to know how to care for your framed art prints properly. With a little attention and some simple steps, you can easily preserve your art prints' longevity, ensuring they remain vibrant and beautiful for years to come.
1. Keep Them Out of Direct Sunlight
One of the most crucial tips for caring for framed art prints is to avoid hanging them in direct sunlight. The UV rays from the sun can cause colours to fade over time, dulling the vibrancy of your prints. If your favourite spot for framed wall art happens to get a lot of sun, consider using UV-protective glass or acrylic when framing your prints. This added layer helps shield the artwork from harmful rays, preserving its colours for the long haul.
Although giclée prints are designed to retain their colour and quality over time and are generally protected from UV rays, they can still occasionally fade over time if kept in an area that is directly lit by the sun.
2. Maintain the Right Humidity Levels
Humidity can be a silent enemy of framed art. Too much moisture in the air can cause the paper to warp, while too little can make it brittle. To preserve your art prints' longevity, keep them in a room with stable humidity levels—ideally between 40% and 60%. Avoid hanging framed wall art in bathrooms or other areas with high moisture levels.
Heavy, high quality paper is less likely to be affected by humidity levels. This is why I use papers over 200gsm for all art prints, and 310gsm for unframed prints. Read more on the seven most important things to look for when buying art prints.
3. Dust Gently and Regularly
Dust can accumulate on the surface of your framed art prints and the glass over time, dulling their appearance. To keep them looking fresh, dust your framed wall art regularly using a soft, dry cloth or a feather duster. Avoid using any cleaning products directly on the glass, as they can leave streaks or damage the frame. If you need to clean the glass, a light spritz of glass cleaner on a cloth (never directly on the glass) will do the trick.
4. Handle with Care
Whenever you need to move or adjust your framed art, always handle it with clean, dry hands. Oils and dirt from your fingers can transfer to the artwork or frame, leading to stains or deterioration over time. It’s also a good idea to have a second person help you when hanging or repositioning larger pieces to avoid accidents.
5. High Quality Framing
If you’re serious about preserving your art prints, a high-quality frame with acid-free matting and backing can provide the best protection for your artwork. Acid-free materials prevent yellowing and deterioration, helping to keep your prints in pristine condition for years to come.
My prints are printed on acid free paper and framed with a conservation grade mat (aka as a mount) that is 100% acid free, and will not discolour with age.
Final Thoughts
Caring for framed art prints doesn’t have to be complicated, but a little attention to detail can go a long way in preserving their beauty. By protecting them from sunlight, controlling humidity, dusting regularly, and handling them with care, you can ensure that your framed wall art remains a stunning centrepiece in your home.