How to Care for Your Art Prints: A Guide from Queer Fine Art Prints Shop

Ordering your first art print from Queer Fine Art Prints Shop is an exciting step in owning a piece of unique, meaningful art that reflects creativity, identity, and individuality. Art prints, especially fine art prints and limited editions, are not only decorative but also valuable investments. With proper care and handling, they can remain in pristine condition for years—or even generations—to come.

To help you protect and preserve your prints, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide. Whether you’ve purchased one of our Hahnemühle Fine Art Photo Prints or a Limited Edition print, these tips will ensure your art maintains its beauty and integrity over time.

Caring for Your Hahnemühle Fine Art Photo Print

Our Hahnemühle Fine Art Photo Prints are crafted with precision and printed on high-quality archival paper to showcase stunning detail and color vibrancy. However, fine art prints are inherently delicate and require extra care to preserve their quality.

Handling the Paper (Important!)
Fine art prints are delicate and require careful handling and care:

• Avoid touching the printed area, Even if you’re wearing gloves, touching the printed area can cause smudging, fingerprints, or oils to transfer onto the surface. Always handle your print by its edges or margins.
• Cotton gloves are a must when handling fine art prints. They prevent dirt, sweat, and natural skin oils from transferring to the paper. These gloves are inexpensive and widely available at art supply stores.
• Lay Prints on a Clean, Flat Surface: If you need to inspect or temporarily store your print before framing, place it on a clean, flat surface covered with a soft cloth or acid-free tissue paper.

Framing Your Artwork

Framing your art print is the best way to protect it from environmental factors like dust, moisture, and UV rays.

• Order a Pre-Framed Print: For ultimate convenience and safety, I recommend ordering your print pre-framed directly from my shop. Professionally framed pieces not only save you time but also ensure that your artwork is ready to display the moment it arrives.
• Choose Acid-Free Materials: If you opt to frame the print yourself, select a high-quality, acid-free mat and backing to prevent discoloration or damage to the paper over time.

Archival Storage

If you’ve purchased an unframed print and don’t plan to frame it immediately, proper storage is essential, read down below how to care for the print.

• Use Archival Storage Boxes: Store your print flat in an archival box to protect it from dust, light, and moisture. I personally recommend Seawhite of Brighton boxes, which are slim, sturdy, and designed for safe storage.
• Use a slim archive box to keep the print flat and protected. I personally use Seawhite of Brighton boxes paired with Krystal Seal Sleeves for additional security.
• Add Extra Protection: For added security, place the print inside a Krystal Seal Sleeve or cover it with acid-free tissue paper to minimize contact with air and other elements.

Choosing the Right Display Spot

Once your print is framed, choosing the appropriate spot to display it is just as important as how you frame or store it.

• Avoid areas with high humidity, steam, or fluctuating temperatures, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
• Keep your artwork away from direct UV rays to prevent fading.
• Ideal locations are cool, dry walls with some shade to preserve the print’s vibrant quality.

Care for Your Limited Edition Print

Limited Edition prints from Queer Fine Art Prints Shop are truly special. These exclusive pieces are professionally framed and sealed using acrylaat (acrylic) or museum-quality glass, offering unparalleled protection and a stunning finish. Proper care for your print will ensure these works remain impeccable for decades.

Placement and Maintenance

Unlike unframed prints, Limited Edition prints come with built-in protection against environmental factors. However, thoughtful placement and cleaning are still necessary to keep them looking their best.

• Display Anywhere with Confidence: Thanks to the UV-resistant glass or acrylic, these prints can be safely displayed in a wide range of locations, including brighter areas that unframed prints might not tolerate.
• Clean the Glass Gently: Dust the surface with a soft microfiber towel to avoid scratching the glass or leaving streaks. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cloths, as they can damage the frame or glass finish.

Proper Hanging

Hanging your framed print securely is key to preventing accidental falls or damage.

• Use a Plug-and-Screw System: This ensures the frame is tightly secured to the wall, providing long-lasting stability and a professional appearance.
• Keep the Frame Flush Against the Wall: A properly mounted frame should sit flat against the wall to avoid shifting or tilting. This also prevents unnecessary strain on the hanging hardware.

Why Proper Care Matters

Caring for your art prints isn’t just about preserving their monetary value; it’s about honoring the craftsmanship, creativity, and personal meaning behind each piece. Art serves as a reflection of your identity and taste, and maintaining its beauty ensures you can enjoy it for years to come.

A well-cared-for print can transform a space, spark meaningful conversations, and even become a cherished heirloom passed down through generations. By following these guidelines, you’re not only protecting your investment but also safeguarding a piece of art that holds personal significance.

Ready to Start or Expand Your Collection?

Queer Fine Art Prints Shop is your destination for unique, high-quality art prints that celebrate individuality, creativity, and identity. Whether you’re purchasing your first piece or adding to an existing collection, each print is designed to bring beauty and meaning to your space.

Visit queerfineartprints.shop to explore our latest offerings, from stunning Hahnemühle Fine Art Photo Prints to exclusive Limited Edition pieces.

Still have questions about caring for your prints? Check out our FAQ page for more tips and detailed information. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@queerfineartprints.shop. We’re here to help you make the most of your art collection!