Print Care & Handling

Storage

Always store your un-framed poster rolled-up along with acid-free tissue in the original tube. Un-framed Special Edition prints should be stored in the original box with the acid-free tissue covering the print. Humidity is a major enemy to paper and prints. Mold is the perhaps the biggest threat because it grows in excess of 70% relative to humidity. According to many museum curators, 50% humidity is ideally suited for keeping photographs and prints. Always maintain proper humidity levels wherever prints are being stored or hung.

Handling

Before handling posters or prints, always be sure to wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Your skin produces natural body oils which can do permanent damage to the paper. Never touch or drag anything across the image area. If you leave a thumb print or scratch the surface, it will generally leave a permanent mark that cannot be repaired.

Display

Avoid hanging or placing your prints opposite a window or in direct sunlight. Never hang or store prints near a radiator or heater or over a fireplace as the combination of heat, soot and smoke can do extensive damage in a very short period of time.

Lighting

Never display your prints in direct sunlight and avoid placing them opposite a window. The standard form of measurement for lighting is called footcandles, and according to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the optimum for the display of prints is five footcandles. This is roughly the equivalent of a 150 watt bulb, approximately four to five feet away from the piece that is being lighted. Also avoid reflecting light as it has ultra-violet rays that can be very harmful to inks and paper. Plexi-glass is the best filter for ultra-violet rays, and will give your print the longest life expectancy.