Giclee prints offer a remarkable way to bring artwork to life with vibrant colors and fine detail. When cared for properly, these high-quality prints can last a lifetime, making them ideal for personal collections, gallery displays, and decorative pieces. Whether your prints are on canvas, fine art paper, metal, or peel and sticks for walls, taking specific steps to protect them from environmental factors can ensure they maintain their beauty over time. Here’s a guide to best practices for preserving your Giclee fine prints and keeping them looking as fresh as the day they were printed.
Choose the Right Display Location
The location where you display your prints has a significant impact on their longevity. Avoid placing prints in direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause fading and discoloration, particularly on canvas and fine art paper. Displaying prints in a room with stable temperatures and minimal humidity fluctuations can prevent damage, especially for prints on fine art paper that are sensitive to moisture. Metal prints, while more resilient, can also benefit from reduced UV exposure for optimal preservation.
Handle with Care
When handling your Giclee prints, make sure your hands are clean and dry to prevent oils or dirt from transferring to the artwork. Consider using cotton gloves when handling fine art paper or canvas prints, as even minor smudges can impact their appearance. Avoid touching the surface directly, particularly with metal prints, as fingerprints can be more noticeable and harder to remove without risk of scratching.
Use Protective Framing
Framing your prints, especially those on fine art paper, adds an extra layer of protection against dust, environmental pollutants, and accidental damage. UV-protective glass or acrylic framing can significantly extend the life of your prints by filtering out harmful light. Canvas and peel and sticks prints, while often left unframed, can benefit from similar protection if hung in areas with natural light exposure.
Clean Gently and Infrequently
To maintain the appearance of your Giclee prints, avoid frequent cleaning. When necessary, dust gently with a soft, dry cloth or a feather duster. For canvas and peel and stick prints, use minimal pressure to avoid damaging the surface. Metal prints can withstand light, damp wiping if needed, but always avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Store Prints Properly
If you need to store your prints, choose a dry, cool area away from sunlight. Use archival-quality storage materials, such as acid-free paper or boxes, to prevent yellowing or damage over time. Roll canvas prints carefully to avoid creases, and stack metal prints with soft padding in between to prevent scratches.
Trust Giclee Fine Prints for Lasting Quality
At Giclee Fine Prints, we provide not only premium materials but also advice on how to care for your prints to ensure they stand the test of time. Our selection of canvas, fine art paper, metal prints, and peel and stick options allows you to enjoy versatile and lasting artwork.
Contact Us
Our address is: 3816 Pioneer Trail Ste #3, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Email: Info@gicleefineprints.com
FAQs
Display your prints away from direct sunlight, use UV-protective framing, and keep them in a stable environment to reduce fading over time.
While not required, framing with UV-protective glass or acrylic is recommended for fine art paper prints. Canvas and metal prints may not need framing but benefit from it in high-exposure areas.
Use a soft, dry cloth for dusting. For metal prints, a slightly damp cloth can be used sparingly, but avoid harsh chemicals.
