Framing & Care Guide

A fine art print is a living investment. Because we use archival pigment inks and museum-grade papers, your artwork is designed to last for over 100 years. However, the longevity of the print depends entirely on how it is handled and displayed.

1. The “Golden Rule” of Handling

Do not unroll the print yourself. Fine art papers, particularly the Hahnemühle German Etching we use for Limited Editions, have a delicate surface texture. The natural oils from your skin can leave permanent marks, and improper unrolling can cause “half-moon” creases (kinks) that cannot be removed.

  • The Best Practice: Take the unopened shipping tube directly to your professional framer. They have the clean environment, cotton gloves, and flat-weight tables required to handle the work safely.
  • The “No-Touch” Principle: Even with the provided cotton gloves, never touch the printed surface of the work. The matte fibers of Hahnemühle German Etching paper are delicate; any pressure or abrasion can permanently “scuff” the pigment.
  • Use the Gloves: Always wear the provided white cotton gloves when handling unframed prints to prevent natural skin oils from transferring to the archival borders.
  • Support: Always lift the work using two hands from opposite corners to prevent “creasing” or “kinking” the heavy-weight paper.

2. Professional Framing Recommendations

To ensure your print maintains its value and condition, please provide your framer with the following specifications:

  • Mounting: Use only acid-free, pH-neutral hinges or mounting tapes. Never use standard scotch tape or spray adhesives, as these will yellow and damage the paper over time.
  • Glazing (Glass): We recommend UV-Protective Glass (often called Gallery Glass or Museum Glass). This prevents the sun’s rays from fading the pigments over many decades.
  • Matting: Ensure the mat board (the border around the image) is 100% Acid-Free (Alpha-Cellulose or Rag). This prevents “acid burn,” which appears as a brown stain on the edges of the print.

3. Display & Environment

Where you hang your art is just as important as how it is framed.

  • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Even with UV-protective glass, constant direct sunlight will eventually affect any organic material. Choose a wall that receives indirect light.
  • Control Humidity: Do not hang fine art prints in bathrooms, kitchens, or directly above a powerful humidifier/air conditioner. Extreme fluctuations in moisture can cause the paper to “wave” or ripple (cockling).
  • Heat Sources: Avoid hanging art directly above a working fireplace or heater.

4. Cleaning Your Art

  • The Hardwood Frame (Kiaat/Ash): Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to dust the wood. For Kiaat, you may use a tiny amount of natural orange oil once a year to maintain its golden luster. Never use household chemical sprays.
  • The Glass/Acrylic: If your work is glazed, spray a premium glass cleaner onto a cloth—never directly onto the frame—and wipe gently.
  • The Canvas: For our stretched canvas works, use a soft-bristled artist’s brush to gently whisk away dust. Never use a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner on the canvas surface.