Caring For and Maintaining Your Prints

Certain environmental conditions can, over the years, cause serious damage, even to prints which have been properly framed. They are:

LIGHT: Sunlight, both direct and indirect, and fluorescent lighting are rich in ultraviolet rays and are, therefore harmful to paper as well as to certain inks and colors. Rooms where prints are to be hung should have weak daylight and must be illuminated with incandescent lighting which is relatively harmless. Use of ultraviolet filtering Plexiglas will reduce light damage, but sunlight and fluorescent illumination must still be avoided. If your print is hung in strong sunlight, it will fade.

HEAT: Do not hang prints near radiators or other sources of heat or on walls which contain flues.

HUMIDITY: Relative humidity above 70% encourages mildew or "foxing" on paper. If humidity in your area exceeds 70% for periods of the year, dehumidify or air condition rooms where works of art are hanging. Avoid hanging art on damp walls. Very dry conditions, below 30% relative humidity, may encourage brittleness, and should be avoided.

POLLUTION: A frame properly sealed will greatly reduce exposure to polluted atmosphere as well as air conditioning the room in which the objects are hung.

It is advisable to take your artwork down off the wall about every three years, to check its condition. This gives the interior a chance to dry out. Check behind the mats for discoloration and for light and insect damage. If the print has been discolored where the mat meets the art, acid-free mats should be used to replace old mats. Ask your framer to install acid-free backing. Your piece of art is an investment, as well as having sentimental value. Therefore care for it properly.

DISPLAY HINTS

GLASS: Clear glass or Plexiglas is preferred over "non-glare" glass. The "non-glare" surface will usually dull the colors in your print when viewing. Unless your print hangs where there is much reflected light (which as you've just read is not recommended), this is the method that I most prefer.

HANGING: Although this is a personal choice depending on location, wall space, and other obstacles, it is generally preferred to hang the painting so that the center of viewing is at eye level. Again, this is your choice, depending on your rooms layout, the final decision is yours.

LIGHTING: There are many options here, frame lights, spots, track lighting even dimmer switches can have dramatic effects on your viewing. The main thing to remember here is keep the lights at a 45 degree angle to the painting to reduce glare.

By observing these few hints and tips, you will be able to care for and enjoy your limited edition prints for years to come. I thank you for your choice in my artwork, and I sincerely hope it gives you many, many hours of viewing pleasure.

Jef Caudle