Taking care of your new print edition
Here are a few tips on how to best take care of your new print:
All of the prints we produce at Rhodes Editions are made or overseen by human-hand and are always produced using archival quality materials to an archival standard.
This means the editions you buy from us will have the best chance possible of standing the test of time, but also that they require a bit more care and attention when storing, framing and handling.
Beginning with us:
As mentioned, all our editions are produced to archival standards. When they’re ready to be dispatched all prints are carefully wrapped using acid free paper and non-abrasive materials and sent to you either flat-packed in hardboard or plywood or in packing/postal tubes to avoid damage during transport.
Once you receive your print, remove it from the tube as soon as you can and store the piece flat. This can be in a portfolio, flat packed between some cardboard or plywood or ideally framed.
Please do not leave your print rolled for too long as this will damage the fibres in the paper and will likely deform the print over time.
Keep away from direct sunlight. Like anything in life that is exposed to too much sunlight for long periods of time, you too will notice with your print the colours begin to fade and become affected. Try and place the work in a shady spot or get you work framed using UV or Art Glass, which will reduce the risk of discolouring.
Avoid placing your print in humid conditions - you will find that your print may begin to warp if exposed to humid or varying temperatures. Controlling the environment in which print is displayed can easily be achieved by getting the work framed (which will offer a level of protection) or being smart about the location of the work in your home (such as not placing your print in a humid bathroom)
Framing
Good quality mounting and framing is one of the most effective methods of preserving and caring for works of art on paper. On the other hand, improper framing is responsible for much of the damage to art on paper, so do ensure it is done correctly and carefully.
Your print should be mounted on pH neutral backing only and avoid using self-adhesive tapes as the adhesive creeps into the paper and can become extremely difficult to remove.
Consider UV or Art Glass for protection against light. Museum or Art Glass glass is more costly, but worth it for the long haul. Acrylic plastic aka Plexiglass is also offered with UV light absorbers; it cannot break, causes no condensation and is mostly a non-reflecting glass.
An important detail worth mentioning is that prints should not have any direct contact with the glass (glazing material). Over time, the print can adhere to the glass, which is not what you want, so a window mount or spacers should always be used to create distance between the surface of the print and the glass.
If you frame your work via us, which we would always advise, all of the above is considered standard, with the exception of the glazing choice which rests with you and your suitable budget.
We always frame to archival standards.
Never trim or cut your print, even if it has white margins in addition & never let your framer do this either. Typically, these white margins are included intentionally by the artist and trimming will decrease the value of the piece as a whole.
Light - keep out of direct sunlight (especially south-facing light) and high-intensity artificial light. If you decide to frame your print, look into using UV protection glass/plexiglass. If not exposed to extreme light, prints will not become excessively faded or yellowed.
Temperature - keep prints in a cool environment, preferably within the range of 60°-72° F (16°-22°C). Don't hang prints near areas that get too hot or cold, like fireplaces, radiators, or air-conditioners. Warm or moist conditions accelerate deterioration and encourage mould growth and insect activity.
Humidity - maintain a relative humidity between 35 and 55%; if humidity is too high the print can be damaged by mould or insects, but if it’s too low the paper can become brittle. Avoid hanging your fine art print somewhere that is very humid, like a steamy bathroom or next to a humidifier.
Pollution - keep away from dust, dirt and other pollutants for the best protection. A little surface dust can be very gently brushed off with a dry cloth, but anything too extreme should be removed by someone who knows what they're doing.
HANDLING
When handling your print, try and touch the paper as little as possible and avoid touching the image area entirely. Should you need to handle your print, use both hands and hold it by opposite corners, very gently, to avoid creasing.
The paper and inks can also be receptive to oil and moisture in the skin which can leave marks behind. Always try to wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your print or handle using handling gloves (those familiar white ones)
STORAGE
If your print is not on display or must be moved, the best way to keep it safe and looking great is to store it flat inside of a rigid folder where it can be protected from light, dirt and humidity while being stored.
Enjoy your print