How to Preserve Fine Ink Prints
Even the most archival Fine Ink Print will degrade if displayed or stored poorly. The good news is that proper care is straightforward. This guide covers the key factors that determine how long your prints will look their best.
Light Exposure
Light is the primary enemy of fine art prints. Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and certain artificial light sources causes pigments to fade and paper to yellow. Even archival pigment prints, rated for 100 years or more in dark storage, can show fading within a decade under constant direct light exposure. Position prints away from south-facing windows and direct sunlight.
UV Glass and Acrylic
UV-filtering glass or acrylic dramatically reduces the light-induced fading of fine ink prints. Museum-grade UV filtering blocks 99% or more of harmful ultraviolet radiation while remaining optically clear. Anti-reflective UV glass or acrylic is the best choice for prints displayed under strong artificial or natural light.
Humidity
Humidity causes paper to expand and contract, which can eventually lead to warping, cockling, and detachment from matting. The ideal relative humidity for fine art storage is 30 to 50 percent. Avoid hanging prints in bathrooms or near kitchen steam, and never store unframed prints in damp basements or attics.
Handling
Handle Fine Ink Prints by the edges only, using clean cotton gloves when possible. The natural oils and acids from hands can cause spots and fingerprints that are difficult or impossible to remove without damaging the print surface. Never touch the printed surface directly, and avoid rolling or bending prints unnecessarily.
Storage Sleeves and Enclosures
Unframed Fine Ink Prints should be stored in individual archival polyester or polypropylene sleeves. Avoid PVC sleeves, which off-gas harmful plasticizers over time. Lay prints flat in archival boxes, or store vertically in individual folders within a plan chest. Never stack prints directly against each other without interleaving tissue.
Matting
Matting separates the print surface from the glass or acrylic in a frame, preventing condensation from contacting the print directly and allowing it to breathe. Use only acid-free, lignin-free mat board. The mat should not be in direct contact with the printed image area.
Archival Framing
A complete archival framing package includes: UV-filtering glass or acrylic, acid-free mat board, acid-free backing board, and hardware that holds the assembly without chemical contact with the print. Avoid rubber-based tapes and non-archival adhesives. Hinge mount prints with Japanese tissue and wheat starch paste rather than pressure-sensitive tapes.
Cleaning Risks
Do not attempt to clean the surface of a Fine Ink Print. Ink on fine art paper is not sealed and will smear or lift with any moisture or friction. If a print is framed under glass or acrylic, clean only the outside surface of the glazing, never the print itself. Dust lightly with a clean, dry brush if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Museum-quality Fine Ink Prints produced with pigment inks and archival papers are rated for 75 to 200 years under proper display conditions. With UV glass and stable humidity, longevity is significantly increased.
It is not recommended. Even archival prints fade faster under direct UV exposure. If a print must be displayed in a sunny location, use museum-grade UV-filtering glass and monitor for color change over time.
Store flat in individual archival polyester sleeves in an archival box. Keep in a cool, stable-humidity environment away from light, heat, and moisture.
Yes, when done correctly. Archival framing with UV glass, acid-free matting, and acid-free backing protects prints from light, humidity, physical contact, and chemical damage.