Caring for Your Fine Art Print

Heartwork.Gallery prints are produced using archival pigment inks and museum quality fine art papers. With thoughtful handling, framing, and display, your print can remain beautiful for many years.

Light

Avoid displaying artwork in direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV radiation can cause fading and color changes over time.

Indirect natural light is generally much safer. For additional protection, consider conservation or museum grade glass or acrylic that filters UV light.

Framing

For long term display, we recommend professional framing using archival materials.

Whenever possible:

• Use acid free matting and backing materials
• Choose UV protective glass or acrylic
• Keep the print surface from touching the glazing directly
• Avoid permanent adhesives or mounting methods that cannot be reversed

A professional framer experienced with fine art prints can help determine the best approach for your piece.

Handling

Handle an unframed print as little as possible.

Clean, dry hands are important, and cotton gloves are ideal. Always hold the print by its edges and support it fully when moving it.

Avoid touching the printed surface, folding the paper, or placing objects directly on top of it.

Cleaning

Fine art prints generally should not be cleaned directly.

If loose dust collects on an unframed print, use a very soft, clean brush and minimal pressure.

Never use water, cleaning products, solvents, damp cloths, tape, or adhesive rollers on the printed surface.

For framed work, clean only the exterior surface of the glass or acrylic. Apply cleaner to your cloth rather than spraying directly onto the frame.

Environment

Paper naturally responds to changes in temperature and humidity.

For best results, display and store artwork in a stable, climate controlled environment. Avoid bathrooms, kitchens, damp basements, heating vents, air conditioners, and other areas with significant fluctuations in moisture or temperature.

Storage

If your print is not being displayed, storing it flat is preferred.

Place the artwork between sheets of acid free tissue or glassine and keep it inside an archival portfolio, box, or flat file. Avoid placing ordinary cardboard, plastic, bubble wrap, or other potentially reactive materials directly against the print.

Do not stack heavy objects on top of stored artwork.

If a print must be rolled for transportation, roll it loosely in a wide tube with protective archival tissue between exposed surfaces.

A Note About Longevity

Archival printing materials are designed for exceptional stability, but no artwork is completely immune to light, moisture, environmental changes, or improper handling.

The simplest approach is also the best:

Keep your print out of direct sunlight, frame it with archival materials, handle it carefully, and store it in a clean and stable environment.

If you have questions about caring for a specific Heartwork.Gallery print, please contact us.