Art Care Guide

For Unframed Paper Prints

Framing Tips

If you are framing your limited-edition print locally, here are our preferred specifications to achieve the best look and durability.

Dry mounting. We suggest having your framer dry mount the print. This ensures the paper stays perfectly flat and prevents the paper from "waving" over time due to humidity.
Glazing (Plexiglass). We recommend using Plexiglass rather than standard glass. It is lightweight, shatter-resistant, and much safer if you ever need to move or ship your artwork.
Use spacers. If you choose not to use a mat, ask your framer to include plastic spacers between the print and the Plexiglass. This prevents the print from sticking to the glazing.
UV protection. Ask for a UV-filtering acrylic to help protect the pigment inks from long-term light exposure.
The mat. A 4-ply acid-free mat creates a professional gallery border and naturally keeps the Plexiglass from touching the print surface.

Hanging Your Art

Pro Tips for a Perfect Hang

Eye level. For a gallery-standard look, aim to have the center of the artwork sit roughly 58 to 60 inches from the floor.
Leveling. Always use a bubble level or a leveling app on your smartphone when installing D-rings to ensure your piece isn't crooked.
Stability. For an extra-secure fit, you can place small clear adhesive "bumpers" on the bottom corners of the frame. This keeps it from shifting, protects your paint, and allows air to circulate behind the art.

Caring for Your Art

Keeping Your Art Beautiful

Where should I avoid hanging my art?

A little care keeps your art vibrant for decades. The two things that matter most are light and a steady environment.

Direct sunlight. Strong sun is what fades art over time, even with archival materials. Choose a wall that doesn't catch harsh afternoon light, or consider UV-filtering window film in a very bright room.
Originals. [How your originals are finished and protected, for example varnish or framing]
Prints. My prints are made with archival materials chosen to hold their color, and they will stay their brightest away from direct sun. [Add your ink and paper details or lightfast rating]
Heat, cold, and humidity. Avoid hanging art right above a heating or cooling vent, radiator, or fireplace, or in a steamy bathroom. Quick swings in temperature and moisture can make paper ripple and cause canvas and wood to shift over time.

Can I hang my art outdoors?

My paintings and prints are made for indoor display only. Moisture, sun, and temperature swings will damage paper, canvas, and paint over time, so even a covered porch is best avoided.

How do I clean my art?

Framed work under glazing

Everyday dusting. A dry microfiber cloth and a soft, circular motion will lift fingerprints and dust from the acrylic or glass.
Stubborn smudges. Mix equal parts water and 70% isopropyl alcohol, mist it onto your cloth (never the frame), and wipe the glazing only.
Please never spray the artwork itself. Liquid can creep beneath the glazing and permanently damage the art.
The frame. A soft, dry microfiber cloth or a feather duster is all it needs.

Canvas and paper prints

Whisk away dust with a clean, soft, dry brush, like a natural-hair artist brush or a makeup brush. These surfaces are porous, so keep them away from water, cleaners, and damp cloths.

What if my canvas loosens over time?

Wooden stretcher frames naturally expand and contract with the seasons, so a canvas can relax a little over time. If your canvas has small wooden keys tucked into the slots at the back corners, gently tapping them further in with a small hammer will bring back the tension. Blick Art Materials has a clear step-by-step guide to canvas keys. If you're unsure, reach out and I'm happy to help.