Below you will find instructions for the care, hanging,
and display of your prints for the optimum
results.
If you have any questions,
please
contact us
Protection from Light
The best display conditions
are those with low light levels and no daylight.
Light sources containing ultraviolet (UV) rays
are especially harmful. UV is found in all
daylight, most abundantly in sunlight, and in
the emissions of certain artificial lights, such
as most fluorescent and halogen lamps. Ordinary
household bulbs (incandescent and tungsten)
contain negligible UV and are there for
recommended. These bulbs give off heat, however,
and should not be placed near the artwork.
Special filters are available
to screen out UV radiation. Inexpensive plastic
sleeves may be purchased for fluorescent tubes.
Windows may be covered with stick-on
UV-absorbing films, or UV-filtering acrylic or
glass may be used in picture frames or windows.
Protection from Relative
Humidity and Temperature
Temperature and relative
humidity (RH) should not exceed 70 degrees F and
60 degrees F respectively. High temperature and
RH also encourage mold growth and insect
activity. Relative humidity below 25% is
believed to be less damaging, but may cause
paper to become brittle.
Temperature and RH should
remain constant. Fluctuations in climate cause
expansion and contraction, which can lead to
structural damage in paper, weaken the
attachment of the print, and cause distortions,
such as rippling of the paper.
Temperature may usually be
controlled by heating and air conditioning. Some
control can be maintained by using portable
dehumidifiers in the summer and by lowering the
heat in winter. During periods of high humidity,
use fans to circulate air and help discourage
mold growth.
Select a spot in your home
where a framed item is to be hung very
carefully. An inside wall is preferable to an
outside wall because of rising or penetrating
damp in the latter. Unless the building has
excellent climate controls, do not subject the
art to damp areas such as a bathroom. Attach the
adhesive bumpers (included in the hanging
package) to the lower corners of the back of the
frame, permitting air circulation behind the
frame.
Housekeeping
When cleaning framed objects,
always spray your cleaning agent on a cloth and
then wipe the glazing. Spraying any liquid
directly on the glass or acrylic may result in
having the liquid run down behind the glazing
and into the framing package. Take the
opportunity to remove the framed object from the
wall and examine the backing for insect
activity, and examine the print through the
glazing to check for insects, mold, water
staining, etc. You may have to look closely for
insects-- silverfish and booklice are small and
not easy to spot. Insect droppings or shed wings
and damage to the object itself are also
evidence. If you do spot insects or mold, do not
spray the object with insecticide. Instead,
contact a conservator for the recommended
remedy.
