How to display & care for your art prints (so they last a lifetime)
So you've got your print. It's out of the envelope, it looks even better in person than it did on screen (always the goal), and now you're standing there holding it wondering where to put it. Here's everything I know about displaying and caring for art prints — so yours stays as vibrant in ten years as it is today.
Frame it properly
The single biggest thing you can do for a print is put it in a frame with UV-protective glass or acrylic. Direct sunlight is the enemy of ink- it fades colours faster than almost anything else. UV glass or acrylic cuts out the wavelengths that cause fading, and the difference over time is enormous.
For A5 prints, standard clip frames work beautifully and are widely available. If you want something a bit more substantial, a simple white or natural wood frame tends to let the artwork breathe without competing with it.
The right spot in the room
Avoid hanging prints directly opposite windows where they'll get hours of direct sun each day. North-facing walls are ideal if you're in the UK- indirect light all day, no harsh afternoon glare. If you love a sunny wall, UV glass will help compensate.
Humidity is worth thinking about too. Bathrooms and kitchens can cause paper to warp over time, even inside a frame. If you want art in those spaces (and why not. Your kitchen deserves nice things), consider a canvas print or make sure the frame is properly sealed.
Storing prints you're not currently displaying
Store prints flat, ideally in a portfolio sleeve or between sheets of acid-free tissue paper. Keep them somewhere cool and dry, away from light.
Caring for stickers
Vinyl stickers are tough — that's the point of vinyl — but a few tips will keep them looking sharp:
- Make sure the surface is clean and dry before applying. Oil and dust stop the adhesive from bonding properly.
- Give it 24 hours before exposing it to water or scrubbing- the adhesive cures over time.
- For water bottles and mugs, hand-washing keeps them looking better for longer than the dishwasher.
A note on keychains and charms
Polymer clay is durable but benefits from a little TLC. Keep pieces away from prolonged heat (so maybe not on a keyring that lives in a hot car all summer), and if a piece gets grubby, a soft damp cloth is all you need. Avoid soaking or harsh cleaners.
Most importantly- enjoy it! Art is meant to be lived with, not preserved behind glass for a rainy day. Put the print on the wall. Stick the sticker on something you love. That's what it's made for.