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Printmaking > Caring For Prints

Caring For Prints

Works on paper are more fragile than most other art forms so care needs to be taken to maintain them in good condition.

With proper care limited edition prints, can remain in excellent condition for hundreds of years.

Do not puncture the paper with thumb tacks or pins.

Never cut the edges of the paper. Uneven edges on a paper sheet are often the hallmark of hand made and fine art papers.

Handle prints with care. Use white gloves (available at most pharmacies) or very clean hands. When moving a print use both hands on opposite sides of the sheet so the paper bows and does not crimp.

Flatten rolled prints placing the curled side on a flat surface. If the printed side is face down lay tissue paper or clean paper sheets between the print and the flat surface. Lay a sheet or sheets of cardboard over the print and weigh down with books or other weights.

If you are storing prints use a solander box* or other container made of acid free materials that allows the prints to lie flat. Interleave each print with a sheet of acid free tissue paper. Try to avoid storing flat on the floor. Elevate so air can circulate around the box.

Avoid dusty, humid or moist environments and areas that could harbour insects, particularly silverfish.

Never hang your prints in an area that gets direct sunlight. It is also best to keep them away from bright artificial light. Sunlight and fluorescent bulbs emit UV light which can cause colours to fade and papers to discolour.

Avoid hanging on the inside of an exterior wall as temperature changes can cause deterioration. Avoid hanging close to radiators or other heat sources.

*Solander boxes were used originally for the safe transportation of botanical specimens and were named after the 18th century Swedish botanist, Daniel Charles Solander who accompanied Captain Cook on the Endeavour on his expedition to the Pacific.

Solander boxes are made from acid free materials and are used by libraries, art galleries and museums for the safe storage of prints and manuscripts.

They are usually a clam shell design with a collapsible spine to minimise damage to the prints.

An internet search for Solander boxes is likely to find a supplier near you. In Australia, Duck Prints are a reliable source for standard and custom made boxes.

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