How to Care for and Display Your Giclée Fine Art Prints
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Time to read 3 min
So, your eagerly anticipated Giclée fine art prints have arrived, and you’re ready to breathe new life into your space. In this guide, we'll walk you through the entire process—unpacking, flattening, framing, displaying, and maintaining your Giclée fine art prints—to ensure they remain as stunning as the day you received them.
Receiving Your Giclée Fine Art Prints
Unpacking your print(s) should be done with the utmost care. Carefully unroll or unbox your print, avoiding any rough surfaces that might scratch or mar the artwork. Handling them with clean hands or wearing cotton gloves is essential to avoid transferring oils or dirt onto the print.
Flattening A Rolled Artwork
Before you get to framing, if your Giclée fine art print arrived rolled up, take additional steps to flatten it without causing damage. Lay the print face down on a clean, flat surface covered with tissue paper. Place another piece of tissue paper over the back of the print and gently weigh it down around the edges with books or other flat, heavy items. Leave it for at least 24 hours. Gradually, the print will become flat and ready for framing. Be cautious and patient to avoid creasing or bending the artwork.
Framing Your Artworks
Framing your giclée fine art prints can be an art in itself. Start by selecting a frame that complements the style and colours of the print. Opt for UV-protective glass or acrylic to shield your artwork from harmful ultraviolet rays, which can cause fading over time. Acid-free matting is another crucial element to prevent any chemical reactions that might degrade the print. While you might be tempted to hang them in direct sunlight to highlight their vivid colours, it's best to avoid this to prevent fading over time. Instead, choose a location away from harsh light and moisture. Giclée fine art prints thrive in stable environments, so aim to keep them in rooms with minimal temperature fluctuations. At East Side Studio London, we offer framing options for the vast majority of our collection. We always suggest buying your artwork framed, as it removes the potential hassle of finding a suitable frame later down the line.
Maintaining Your Giclée Fine Art Prints
Maintaining the vibrancy of your Giclée fine art prints doesn’t have to be hard. A little regular care can keep your artwork looking as fresh as the day you received it. Dust your prints gently using a soft, dry cloth or a feather duster—avoid using any chemicals or water, as they may damage the delicate surface. Check the placement occasionally and ensure the mount and frame remain secure and in good condition. If you notice any fading or wear, it might be time to relocate your artwork to a more sheltered spot. With these simple steps, your prints will continue to impress for years to come.
What is a giclee art print?
A giclee art print is a high-quality inkjet print used for fine art reproduction. It uses pigment-based inks and archival-quality paper to create prints with exceptional colour accuracy and longevity, closely resembling the original artwork.
What's the difference between a giclee print and a regular art print?
Giclee art prints use higher quality inks, paper, and printing processes than regular prints. Unlike a standard print, giclee artworks are printed with up to 12 pigment-based inks. They offer superior colour accuracy, detail, texture and longevity, making them closer in quality to original artwork.
How do I unroll an art print?
If your print arrives rolled, flatten it by laying it print-side down on a clean, flat surface covered with tissue paper. Place another piece of tissue over the back and gently weigh it down around the edges. Using large, heavy coffee table books works well for this. Leave it for 24 hours.
How should I frame my fine art prints?
Select a frame that complements the style and colours of the print. Use UV-protective glass or plexiglass to shield your artwork from harmful ultraviolet rays. Consider acid-free matting to prevent any chemical reactions that might degrade the print.
How do I maintain my fine art prints?
Regular care can keep your prints looking fresh. Avoid displaying them in direct sunlight or areas of extreme temperature changes. Dust lightly with a soft, dry brush. Check the placement occasionally and ensure the mount and frame remain clean and in good condition.
How long do giclee prints last?
When properly cared for, giclee art prints can last over 100 years without significant fading. The longevity depends on factors like the quality of inks and paper used, as well as display and storage conditions.
