Caring for Your Photography Prints
Photographic prints are made to last for many years, but how you handle, display and store them can have a significant impact on their longevity. Following these simple guidelines will help preserve the colour, detail and quality of your print for as long as possible.
Handle With Care
Always handle prints with clean, dry hands.
For larger prints, support the print with both hands to prevent bending or creasing.
Avoid touching the printed surface whenever possible. Oils and moisture from your fingers can leave marks or affect the surface.
Never place objects directly on top of an unprotected print.
If you need to move or transport an unframed print, keep it flat and protected by suitable archival-quality materials.
Protect Your Print From Light
Light is one of the biggest factors affecting the long-term appearance of a photographic print.
Avoid displaying your print in direct sunlight.
Avoid locations where the print receives strong, prolonged exposure to bright artificial lighting.
For the best long-term protection, display the print behind UV-protective glazing.
If possible, choose a location away from windows or use curtains, blinds or UV-filtering window treatments.
Even high-quality archival inks and papers can gradually change when exposed to excessive light over long periods.
Avoid Heat and Humidity
Environmental conditions can affect both the paper and the image.
Keep prints away from heaters, fireplaces, radiators and air-conditioning outlets.
Avoid areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms, laundries and damp rooms.
Avoid storing prints in garages, sheds or other locations subject to large temperature or humidity changes.
Aim for a stable, moderate indoor environment rather than frequent fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Framing Your Print
For the best long-term protection, professional framing is recommended.
Use archival-quality, acid-free mounting and backing materials.
Consider museum-quality or UV-protective glazing for valuable or particularly important prints.
Avoid allowing the photographic print to come into direct contact with ordinary glass if the print requires space for air circulation.
A professionally constructed frame can provide protection from dust, pollutants, moisture and accidental handling.
Cleaning
Never clean the photographic surface with household cleaning products, water, glass cleaner or other liquids.
If the print is framed behind glass:
Clean the outside of the glazing only.
Apply cleaning solution to the cleaning cloth rather than spraying directly onto the glass.
Take care that moisture does not run into the frame or come into contact with the print.
If dust has accumulated on an unframed print, avoid rubbing the surface. If necessary, use only appropriate archival print-handling methods.
Storing Your Print
If you are not displaying your print:
Store it in a cool, dry and stable environment.
Keep it away from direct sunlight.
Use acid-free, archival-quality sleeves, folders or boxes.
Store prints flat where possible, particularly larger or delicate prints.
Avoid placing heavy objects on top of prints.
Keep prints away from areas where food, liquids, smoke or chemical fumes may be present.
Transporting Your Print
When transporting an unframed print, protect it from bending, moisture and abrasion.
Use rigid archival-quality packaging where appropriate and avoid leaving prints in hot vehicles or in direct sunlight for extended periods.
A Final Note
Photographic prints, like any artwork on paper, their longevity depends not only on the quality of the materials used to create them but also on how they are cared for.
Treat your print as you would any original artwork: keep it clean, dry, protected from excessive light, and away from extreme environmental conditions.
With appropriate care and display, your photograph can remain a beautiful part of your home or collection for many years to come.
Always handle prints with clean, dry hands.
For larger prints, support the print with both hands to prevent bending or creasing.
Avoid touching the printed surface whenever possible. Oils and moisture from your fingers can leave marks or affect the surface.
Never place objects directly on top of an unprotected print.
If you need to move or transport an unframed print, keep it flat and protected by suitable archival-quality materials.
Protect Your Print From Light
Light is one of the biggest factors affecting the long-term appearance of a photographic print.
Avoid displaying your print in direct sunlight.
Avoid locations where the print receives strong, prolonged exposure to bright artificial lighting.
For the best long-term protection, display the print behind UV-protective glazing.
If possible, choose a location away from windows or use curtains, blinds or UV-filtering window treatments.
Even high-quality archival inks and papers can gradually change when exposed to excessive light over long periods.
Avoid Heat and Humidity
Environmental conditions can affect both the paper and the image.
Keep prints away from heaters, fireplaces, radiators and air-conditioning outlets.
Avoid areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms, laundries and damp rooms.
Avoid storing prints in garages, sheds or other locations subject to large temperature or humidity changes.
Aim for a stable, moderate indoor environment rather than frequent fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Framing Your Print
For the best long-term protection, professional framing is recommended.
Use archival-quality, acid-free mounting and backing materials.
Consider museum-quality or UV-protective glazing for valuable or particularly important prints.
Avoid allowing the photographic print to come into direct contact with ordinary glass if the print requires space for air circulation.
A professionally constructed frame can provide protection from dust, pollutants, moisture and accidental handling.
Cleaning
Never clean the photographic surface with household cleaning products, water, glass cleaner or other liquids.
If the print is framed behind glass:
Clean the outside of the glazing only.
Apply cleaning solution to the cleaning cloth rather than spraying directly onto the glass.
Take care that moisture does not run into the frame or come into contact with the print.
If dust has accumulated on an unframed print, avoid rubbing the surface. If necessary, use only appropriate archival print-handling methods.
Storing Your Print
If you are not displaying your print:
Store it in a cool, dry and stable environment.
Keep it away from direct sunlight.
Use acid-free, archival-quality sleeves, folders or boxes.
Store prints flat where possible, particularly larger or delicate prints.
Avoid placing heavy objects on top of prints.
Keep prints away from areas where food, liquids, smoke or chemical fumes may be present.
Transporting Your Print
When transporting an unframed print, protect it from bending, moisture and abrasion.
Use rigid archival-quality packaging where appropriate and avoid leaving prints in hot vehicles or in direct sunlight for extended periods.
A Final Note
Photographic prints, like any artwork on paper, their longevity depends not only on the quality of the materials used to create them but also on how they are cared for.
Treat your print as you would any original artwork: keep it clean, dry, protected from excessive light, and away from extreme environmental conditions.
With appropriate care and display, your photograph can remain a beautiful part of your home or collection for many years to come.
