How to Care for Your Giclée Art Print 🖼️
You just got your new art print (yay!)—now what? Giclée prints are made with high-quality pigment inks and cotton paper, which means they can last decades or even longer. But like any special thing, they do best with a little TLC. Here’s how to keep your piece looking fresh and lovely for years to come.
1. Keep It Out of Direct Sunlight ☀️
Even though we use archival inks rated to resist fading, UV rays are powerful little troublemakers. Sunlight, especially direct midday rays, can slowly wash out colours over time. If your wall gets a ton of natural light, try framing your print with UV-protective glass or acrylic. (We do this by default with our pre-framed prints, btw.)
You probably wouldn't want to store giclée prints in a room like this!
2. Avoid Steamy or Damp Spots
Prints and moisture don’t mix. Humid rooms like bathrooms or steamy kitchens can warp the paper or cause it to ripple. Try to keep your art somewhere with steady, moderate humidity. If your frame fogs up or the air feels damp, it might be time to relocate your piece.
3. Frame It Properly 🖼️
Framing isn’t just about looks—it’s one of the best ways to protect your print. We recommend acid-free mats and UV-protective glazing to help it last. If you're in the US or Canada, you can also get all my fine art prints pre-framed and ready to hang—no trip to the frame shop needed.
4. Handle With Clean Hands (or Gloves)
If you ever need to move, unframe, or inspect your print, try to avoid touching the surface directly. The inks are stable, but the paper can pick up fingerprints, smudges, or oils from your skin that are nearly impossible to remove.
We always use gloves in the studio for this exact reason—it's a small extra step that helps preserve the clean, gallery-fresh finish of every print. Cotton gloves are best, but freshly washed, dry hands will work in a pinch. Just remember to hold the print by the edges, not the image area.
If you’re working on framing it yourself, set the print face down on a clean, lint-free surface and avoid sliding it around. Take your time—this part's worth doing gently.
5. Don’t Spray, Just Dust 🧽
A little dust is normal. Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe it off. Don’t use water, sprays, or glass cleaner—even a tiny amount of moisture can damage the print. This goes for the inside of the glass too: never spray directly inside a frame.
6. Store It Flat (If You're Not Hanging It Yet)
If you’re not ready to hang it, store your print flat in a cool, dry spot. Slip it between clean sheets of acid-free paper or tissue to prevent rubbing or scuffing. Try not to roll it—this can leave creases or cause the paper to hold a curl, especially heavier papers like the ones we use (learn more here).
Final Thoughts
These prints are built to last, but a little extra care goes a long way. You don’t need fancy tools or tricks—just treat it like the art it is 💛
Thanks for supporting small studios like mine. If you ever have questions about framing, care, or anything else, feel free to reach out.
— Catherine