How to Care for Your Giclée Art Print
Giclée prints are a great way to own high quality art when the original is no longer available or when your budget doesn't quite stretch to it.
Proper care ensures they remain vibrant for many many years. Here’s a guide to help you keep your print in pristine condition.
What is a Giclée Art Print?
Giclée (pronounced "zhee-clay") is a term used for high resolution, archival quality prints created with specialised inkjet printers. These prints use fade resistant, pigment based inks and are typically produced on fine art paper or canvas. The result is a stunning, long lasting reproduction that captures the detail and colour of the original artwork.
The printer I use for my giclée art prints suggests that their recommended papers and giclée printing process will produce a print that lasts between 100 and 200 years in optimal conditions! So your print could even outlive you 😁
Unpacking and Handling Your Art Print
When your giclée print arrives, handle it with clean, dry hands or wear cotton gloves to prevent smudges or damage. Avoid touching the printed surface as oils from your skin can affect the inks. Carefully remove the print from its packaging, making sure no sharp objects are nearby to avoid accidental tears or scratches. It's also worth making sure that any surface you lay it on is clean too.
Uncurling Your Art Print
This only applies to unframed prints. As the giclée prints are usually shipped in tubes they might have a curl when first unpacked. To help your print flatten out as quickly as possible, place it face down on a clean, smooth surface and lay a sheet of acid-free paper over it. Use flat, heavy objects (like books) on the edges for a few hours.
Note: It's best not to roll the print in the opposite direction, as this could cause creases or damage!
Framing Your Art Print
If you've ordered an unframed print then it's a good idea to get it framed as soon as possible. Framing not only makes your print look fabulous, it also protects it.
Until your print is protected by a frame, keep it away from sources of ozone, e.g. monitors and TVs or air purifiers.
Only use an acid free mat/mount as well as any other materials that will come into contact with your print. You can also get UV protective glass or acrylic that will shield the artwork from light damage.
Make sure the print doesn’t touch the glass to prevent condensation issues (this is where a mat makes things easier). If your print will be framed without a mat, you can use spacers so that the print doesn't touch the glass.
I'll write another blog post in the future with more details about how to choose a frame...
If you prefer to display it unframed, consider mounting your print on a rigid backing for stability. Don't hang or pin your unframed print directly onto the wall as there's a chance that the chemicals in wall paint could cause it to yellow over time.
Final Tips
This is hopefully obvious, but never allow liquids of any kind to come in contact with your print.
It's best to hang your giclée print away from direct or very bright sunlight, high humidity (e.g. bathrooms) or extreme temperatures to avoid fading, yellowing or warping.
By following these simple guidelines you'll be able to enjoy your print for the long term, and maybe even pass it on to the next generation!