Art Print Care: A Quiet Guide for Longevity
Each print I send out has passed through my hands—from the first pencil marks to the final trim. I print them here in my small studio using Canon Pro Premium Matte paper and high-quality pigment inks, wrapped and packed with care. Every piece is signed and packaged with intention.
Once it's in your hands, its story continues—and a little care will help it stay with you for the long haul.
Handle Like It's Already an Heirloom
Even though the paper is thick and matte, it’s still delicate. Before touching the print, wash your hands and dry them well—or use soft cotton gloves if you have them. Always handle by the edges to avoid leaving smudges or bending the corners. Oils from skin can slowly dull the surface, even if you don’t see it right away.
A print is a quiet thing, but it remembers how it was held.
Each of my prints is carefully created in-house using a professional Canon inkjet printer, made to order to ensure your artwork is as unique and special as possible.
My art prints are made using Canon Photo Paper Pro Premium Matte, a high-quality, matte paper known for its exceptional color reproduction and detail. This paper is designed to produce rich, vibrant prints with a smooth finish that highlights the nuances of every pencilstroke. While not archival in the traditional sense, it is 100% acid-free, offering excellent resistance to fading and maintains image clarity over time when properly cared for.
Until It's Framed, Let It Rest
If you’re not framing your piece right away, the safest thing you can do is keep the print inside its original clear sleeve, with the acid-free backing board still in place. The packaging was designed to protect it—flat, dry, and sealed from dust or handling.
Store it somewhere cool and shaded, away from heat, humidity, or direct sunlight. Tuck it into a drawer, portfolio, or flat storage box. Try not to stack anything heavy on top, and avoid rolling—it strains the fibers and may leave a lasting curve.
Handling Your Prints
The touch of human hands, though well-meaning, can damage delicate art. Handle your prints with care:
Before handling your print, ensure that you:
Clean Hands: Wash and dry your hands thoroughly to keep oils and dirt from marring the surface.
Hold the Edges: Touch only the borders, avoiding the image itself.
Wear Gloves (optional): For added protection, use soft cotton gloves when handling your art.
When You’re Ready to Frame
Framing gives your print a home. Not just something pretty to look at, but a place to stay.
Here are a few ways to protect it for the long term:
Choose UV-protective glass or acrylic if you can. It helps guard against fading in brighter rooms.
Use archival mats and acid-free backing boards. These materials prevent discoloration or acid damage over time.
Don’t let the print touch the glass directly. Even if you’re skipping a mat, use spacers or float it slightly inside the frame.
Seal the back of the frame. Dust, moisture, and air sneaking in through the back can do slow, subtle damage.
Where you hang it matters too. Avoid direct sunlight, high humidity (like bathrooms), or placing it above radiators or stoves. Prints prefer a quiet, temperate life.
When Dust Inevitably Comes
If your print is framed, simply dust the glass, not the print itself. A soft microfiber cloth works best—no sprays or harsh cleaners.
If you ever need to unframe it (say, for reframing or long-term storage), handle the print gently by the edges and use a clean, dry brush to remove dust. Never wipe or rub the paper.
Over Time
Even with the best materials—archival paper, pigment inks, acid-free everything—no artwork is invincible. Time will always leave its mark. But with a little attention, your print can last for decades, even generations.
Rotate pieces occasionally if they’re in bright spots. Let some rest in the dark while others take their place. Think of your art like seasons: shifting, breathing, gently changing.
One Final Thought
When I make these prints, I think about the walls they’ll live on. The people who will pass by them each day. The stillness they might offer in a loud world.
So thank you for caring. When you protect your print, you’re not just preserving paper and ink. You’re honoring the quiet message it carries—and the hands that made it.
And if you're ready to bring another piece home—or simply want to wander—you're always welcome to step into the shop. The door is always open.
I’d love to hear from you.
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