CARING FOR YOUR PRINTS
Giclée is from the French word meaning "spray" and the printing process is an extremely high quality process that produces fine art reproductions on paper or canvas. Because inks are sprayed onto the support, the resolution of Giclee Prints is superior than traditional printing, resulting in all the subtle colours and detail of the original art work. With the use of stable inks, Giclee Reproductions are said to last from 75 to 200 years with proper care making them valuable collectors' pieces.
It is highly recommended that you treat your Giclee Prints as you would an original piece of art. Like any original, the way you care for it will affect the life of the image. When framing Giclee prints on paper, only archival acid-free materials should be used to ensure the longevity of your investment.
Prints on paper:
• Always use archival acid-free materials to frame your artwork with mats or spacers to keep the print from touching the glass.
• Store and display your prints away from direct or strong sunlight. Ultraviolet light is one of the biggest reasons that art fades.
• Store and display your prints away from excess heat and humidity. This will cause distortions such as rippling of paper.
• Unframed prints should be handled as little as possible. Hands should be clean, dry and free of grease, moisturisers or lotions. This can permanently stain or discolour the surface.
• Never fold or crease the print.
• Never laminate a Limited Edition Print.
• If the surface becomes dusty, lightly brush with a dry, clean soft hair brush or a fine feather duster.
Prints on canvas:
• Store and display your prints away from direct or strong sunlight. Ultraviolet light is one of the biggest reasons that art fades.
• Store and display your prints away from excess heat and humidity. This will cause warping of the frame and/or canvas.
• Unstretched Giclees can be stored rolled up in its shipping tube for a few months. For longer storage, an acid free opaque plastic tube with end caps should be invested in.
• Stretched Giclees can be stored wrapped in bubble wrap and corner protectors. Do not allow anything to lean against it.
• Never wet the back of a Giclee to tighten it by shrinkage. This may permanently damage your artwork.
• Do not trim off the extra canvas or mount it on foam core or board. Such actions are liable to seriously devalue the artwork.
• Keep away from direct heat sources.
• Clean with a soft feather duster or a damp, NOT WET, soft cloth.
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