It's important that you should care for your art prints just like you would any valuable piece of artwork. With proper handling, your artwork will remain in pristine condition for many years to come. Following these recommendations will help you to maintain the longevity of your items.
Wash your hands before handling the print or canvas. Oils in your skin or other contaminants will easily transfer on to the print. If possible wear some lint free cotton gloves, but not many of us have those laying around.
Hold your print at the edge, being careful not to touch the actual print area.
Keep your prints, canvases and other artwork out of direct sunlight. My work is all printed with Giclée inks and specialist archival premium photography paper, which makes them fade resistant, but not infallible to the elements. Eventually even the best quality materials are likely to crack or fade with prolonged sun exposure. So hang them on a wall that doesn't get direct sunlight, or at the very least, is shaded from the harshest hottest midday sun rays.
Flourescent lights also emit harmful uv rays, which in time can lead to cracking or fading of the print surface. Normal incandescent light bulbs are fine.
Try to avoid hanging your wall art in any dusty or smoky areas as this can leave a residue build up in time.
The print should be dusted with a clean, soft cloth regularly to prevent dust buildup. Do not use cleaning products or water directly on the print or canvas. Cleaning products can also damage a wooden frame, so if absolutely necessary wipe the frame with a very light damp cloth.
If you need to store or transport your print, wrap it acid free paper. Do not store it in plastic for long periods of time as it could lead to mould growth. You know that musty smell from old books? Those same mould spores can ruin your nice artwork.
Please forgive me if this information all sounds obvious to you, but you would be surprised how many people have put beautiful, old family heirlooms in their attic and only years later they discover they're ruined or badly damaged. You can apply these tips to any other artwork you may have, not just photographic prints, but to paintings as well.
If you have any questions, ask away in the comments. You might light to read my framing advice. Alternatively you can choose one of my many framed prints here.
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