The Ultimate Guide to Tools for Storing, Displaying, and Enhancing Your Prints

Your prints deserve the best care, whether you’re storing them for safekeeping, showcasing them in your home or gallery, or enhancing their beauty with editing tools. In this guide, we’ve compiled trusted tools, materials, and software to help artists and photographers protect their work, present it professionally, and prepare it for printing. From archival storage to professional framing and lighting solutions, here’s everything you need to know.

Protect Your Prints with Archival Storage Solutions

Proper storage is the first step to keeping your prints safe for years to come. These archival-quality tools prevent damage from dust, light, and humidity:

1. Lineco Museum Boxes
   High-quality, acid-free storage boxes designed to keep prints safe and organized.
• Visit Lineco Museum Boxes
2. ClearBags Acid-Free Sleeves
   Crystal-clear sleeves to protect individual prints from scratches and environmental damage.
• Shop ClearBags Sleeves
3. Gaylord Archival
   Trusted archival solutions, including storage portfolios and boxes used by museums.
• Explore Gaylord Archival Products
4. Hollinger Metal Edge
   Acid-free storage boxes and folders ideal for long-term print preservation.
• Shop Hollinger Metal Edge

Pro Tip: Add silica gel packets inside your storage boxes to control humidity and prevent mold.

Showcase Your Prints with Professional Framing and Display

High-quality framing and display materials not only enhance the presentation of your prints but also protect them from wear and tear. Here are our top picks for framing supplies:

1. American Frame
   Custom frames, UV-protective glass, and acid-free mats for professional-grade displays.
• Visit American Frame
2. RediMat
   Affordable pre-cut mats and backing boards for framing and packaging your prints.
• Explore RediMat
3. Framing 4 Yourself
   DIY framing kits with acid-free materials and UV-filtering glass. Perfect for hands-on artists.
• Shop Framing 4 Yourself
4. Bainbridge Backing Boards
   Archival-quality backing boards that provide support and protection.
• Shop Bainbridge Boards

Pro Tip: Always use UV-protective glass to shield your prints from harmful light that can cause fading.

Illuminate Your Artwork with Lighting Solutions

The right lighting can bring your prints to life, showcasing their details while protecting them from heat and UV damage:

1. Battery-Operated Spotlights (Amazon)
   Budget-friendly and UV-safe spotlights ideal for home galleries or exhibitions.
• Shop Amazon Spotlights
2. House of Troy
   Professional-grade picture lights perfect for illuminating your artwork with precision.
• Explore House of Troy Lighting
3. IKEA Lighting
   Affordable LED spotlights and adjustable fixtures that are safe for prints.
• Shop IKEA Lighting

Pro Tip: Position lights at a 30-degree angle to minimize glare and reflections.

Enhance Your Prints with Powerful Editing Software

Professional editing tools help you refine your artwork and prepare it for flawless printing. Here are the best software solutions for artists and photographers:

1. Adobe Photoshop
   The industry standard for photo editing, color correction, and print preparation.
• Explore Adobe Photoshop
2. Topaz Labs
   AI-powered tools for noise reduction, sharpening, and image upscaling.
• Visit Topaz Labs
3. GIMP (Free)
   Open-source software for resizing, basic edits, and color correction. Great for beginners.
• Download GIMP
4. Photopea (Free)
   A browser-based alternative to Photoshop, offering advanced tools like layers and masks.
• Try Photopea

Pro Tip: Upscale low-resolution images with Topaz Labs to achieve sharper, print-ready results.

Quick Tips for Print Care

Follow these simple steps to keep your prints in perfect condition:

• Use acid-free materials for storage and framing to prevent yellowing.
• Rotate displayed prints periodically to avoid prolonged light exposure.
• Dust frames regularly and clean glass with non-ammonia cleaner.
• Store prints in cool, dry environments with controlled humidity.

Start Caring for and Showcasing Your Prints Today

Preserving, displaying, and enhancing your prints doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and resources, you can keep your artwork looking its best for years to come.