After ordering
Production and shipping
Review how prints are produced, packed, shipped, and tracked after checkout.
Care guide
How to Care for Fine Art and Photo Prints
Handle, frame, store, and clean finished prints in ways that protect the image surface and presentation.
Handling unframed prints
Handle paper prints as little as possible before framing or packaging. Natural oils from your hands can mark the surface, especially on matte fine art papers.
- Use clean hands or gloves: Dry hands are acceptable for quick handling, but cotton gloves are safest for larger prints, limited editions, and matte surfaces.
- Hold by the edges: Avoid touching the image area. Support larger prints from underneath so the paper does not bend.
- Work on a clean surface: Use a smooth, dry table before matting, sleeving, or framing. Keep food, drinks, tape, and tools away from the print surface.
Displaying paper prints
Paper prints are best protected behind glass or acrylic. A mat or spacer helps keep the print from pressing directly against the glazing, which is especially important for long-term display.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Even archival prints can fade faster in strong sun. Choose a location with indirect light whenever possible.
- Use UV-protective glazing: UV glass or acrylic can help reduce fading and surface damage over time.
- Control the environment: Avoid bathrooms, damp rooms, heat vents, fireplaces, garages, and places with large temperature swings.
Canvas and mounted prints
Canvas and mounted prints are more rigid than loose paper prints, but the printed surface still needs care. Keep them out of direct sun and high humidity, and avoid leaning objects against the face of the print.
Dust gently with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Do not use water, cleaners, solvents, or sprays on the printed surface.
Storing prints before framing
If you are not framing right away, keep prints in their protective packaging or an acid-free sleeve. Store them flat in a cool, dry place with nothing heavy resting directly on the image area.
If a print arrives rolled, open it carefully and let it relax gradually. Avoid forcing it flat with pressure on the printed surface.
Cleaning and maintenance
For framed prints, clean the glass or acrylic, not the print. Spray cleaner onto a cloth first instead of spraying directly onto the frame, so liquid cannot seep under the edge and reach the artwork.
For unframed prints, avoid cleaning the surface yourself. If a print has dust, moisture, fingerprints, or surface damage, contact us before trying to fix it.
Related guides
Next steps
Keep the print safe after checkout
These pages help connect print care to shipping, media choice, and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I handle fine art prints?
Handle prints with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves, and hold them by the edges whenever possible. Avoid touching the printed surface, bending the paper, or sliding prints across rough surfaces.
Where should I display my prints?
Display prints away from direct sunlight, high humidity, heat sources, and strong airflow. For paper prints, UV-protective glass or acrylic can help reduce fading and surface damage over time.
Should paper prints be framed behind glass?
Yes. Paper prints are best protected behind glass or acrylic. Use a mat or spacer so the print surface does not press directly against the glazing, especially for long-term display.
How should I store prints before framing?
Keep prints in their protective packaging or an acid-free sleeve, and store them flat in a cool, dry room. If a print arrives rolled, open it carefully and avoid placing heavy objects directly on the image surface.
Can I clean the surface of a print?
Avoid using water, cleaners, sprays, or pressure on the printed surface. Dust framed glass or acrylic instead of the exposed print. If a print is damaged, contact us before trying to clean or flatten it.