ARTWORK CARE INFORMATION
Taking proper care of your original artwork or fine art print will ensure it maintains its vibrancy and quality for many years to come.
FINE ART PRINTS AND ARTWORKS ON PAPER:
> Handle as little as possible and take care to not bend, dent or scratch the paper.
> Ensure your hands are clean or wear cotton gloves, as skin oils can stain the paper.
> Dirt, dust, moisture, oils, adhesives, solvents, heat, and anything that could scratch, dent or crease the paper should be avoided when you are handling your print.
> Use two hands to support your print and hold it by the edges to avoid bending the artwork and getting finger-smudges on the face of the print.
> Keep your new print covered with the acid-free tissue paper that it was posted with (or the acid-free plastic sleeve for smaller prints) until it is framed to avoid damage.
> Use a clean, dry, white lint-free cloth or a photographer’s lens-brush to clean dust off the surface of your print. Do not use your hands, as that can damage the surface of the print.
> Choose a hanging location for your print that is away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture.
> Professional, acid free framing will keep your print in optimum condition.
FLATTENING YOUR ROLLED UP GICLÉE PRINT:
> Find a surface that is flat, smooth and hard and clean it of any dirt and particles that might damage your print.
> Carefully remove the print from the postal tube while keeping it covered in the protective acid-free tissue paper.
> Lay the print out - image side up - on the flat surface, with the tissue paper still covering the print’s image. Place a few clean and dry objects that are smooth, flat and heavy around the edges and corners of the paper (books or heavy glasses are great for this).
> Let your print flatten overnight – if it still isn’t flat when you remove the heavy objects, replace them until the paper lies flat on its own.
ORIGINAL PAINTINGS ON CANVAS/PANEL AND CANVAS PRINTS:
> Handle the artwork by the frame and avoid touching the face of the canvas/panel.
> Ensure your hands are clean or wear cotton gloves, as skin oils can damage the artwork.
> Great care needs to be taken when handling artworks on canvas or panel. Only handle one artwork at a time. Large canvases and panels should be moved by two or more people. Remove any accessories such as watches or jewellery that could scratch or dent the paint surface. Carry the painting with two hands from the sides of the frame or stretcher bars.
> Keep the artwork away from direct sunlight, as it can fade the vibrancy of the pigments over time.
> Protect the painting from water damage, as this will weaken the adhesion of the paint layers and eventually cause paint loss.
> Keep the painting away from heat sources, as heat dries out the material of the painting, speeding up the process of natural ageing. Heat sources can also soften paint, causing dirt and debris to be trapped in the softened paint and varnish.
> Avoid hanging the artwork in places of high or fluctuating humidity. High humidity promotes the growth of mould, and fluctuating humidity can cause the wooden stretcher bars and panels to warp over time.
> Hang the painting on a wall that has a stud where you can securely anchor the wall hooks. All the mechanical items - picture hooks, screw-eyes, cords and wires - even if they are the best quality, should be periodically checked. Checking periodically will keep your painting safe from falling and being damaged.
> Artworks and prints on canvas or panels come ready to hang on their own. Professional floater frames are optional.