Canvas Prints Require Diligent Care
You may have a very valuable print hanging on your wall if you own a canvas print, like giclee fine art prints. These once very affordable pieces of art have become much more valuable and now sell for much higher sums. If you do want to sell your artwork, you will need to take good care of it. There are some basic steps to take to protect it from some common types of harm.
While you may not realize it, while they are affordable fine art giclee prints do require special conditions to continue looking great. Like all canvas prints and painting, they are harmed by extremes in temperature and humidity. The special inks and giclee process require a constant temperature range at or above 60F and not more than 70F to preserve the integrity of canvas and ink alike. A room on another floor or at least distant from the kitchen will help prevent exposure to excessive heat.
Exposure to light is one of the most common factors resulting in damage to canvas prints. Even short term exposure can cause the vibrant inks to fade, greatly reducing the quality of your prints. Extreme discoloration can even make them worthless. In order to avoid damage, store your prints in a room with dim lighting and avoid all contact with direct sunlight.
Other places to avoid placing your prints include near the kitchen, or in the bathroom. Odors, particles, smoke and grease from cooking can damage prints by lodging in the canvas. In the bathroom, moisture from water splashes and steam can damage prints. Any place where moisture, smoke or odor is common or excessive is not a good place to place a print.
Also don't neglect the importance of the frame for your print. Always use a professional framer for best results. It can be very easy to damage the canvas, so framing is definitely not a do-it-yourself project. Be sure to select glass that will protect the print from damaging sun exposure. Doing so will make sure you are able to enjoy your beautiful print for years to come.
You should never attempt to clean or repair a print by yourself. This is one of the most common ways to damage the print. Take all of your cleaning and repairing needs to a professional art restorer. They have the proper tools and knowledge to care for the prints. Inexpensive prints may someday be quite valuable so be sure to keep them in the best condition possible.
If you have a valuable print hanging on your wall, like giclee fine art prints, there are several things you need to do to keep them looking beautiful. Keep your affordable fine art giclee prints between 60 and 70 degrees year-round. Limit exposure to direct light as much as possible. Canvas prints absorb moisture, grease, smoke, and food odors, so hang them away from the kitchen and bathroom. An amateur framing job can damage the canvas, so choose a framing professional carefully. Finally, leave all repairs and cleaning to the professional restorer. Your prints may someday be quite valuable, so keep them in the best condition possible.
Published October 24th, 2007
Filed in Society
