Use the links below to skip
to the indicated sections of this document
or use the scroll bar to read it in its entirety

Care of Prints Framing your Artwork

How Prints Are Made

     The reproduction process begins by photographing the original into a full color transparency. The transparency is then computer scanned and separated in four basic printing colors: yellow, magenta (red), cyan (blue), and black. With the correct combination of these four basic colors, plus white, which comes from the paper, the printer is able to closely match most of the colors in the original.

     In photolithography, each of the four color tones has to be screened and broken up into dots of various sizes. These dots then become the printing dots for offset printing and are arranged in an elliptical pattern so that each color is printed next to each other, rather than on top of each other. Because of deficiencies in films, papers, and printing inks, the craftsman who separates the colors must put in many hours to alter the dot sizes on each film in certain areas so that the printing result will more closely match the color of the original art. Occasionally there is a need for an additional color or two in order to enhance the final print by enriching the deepest shadows or to achieve a specific color.

     Ultimately, these corrected films are exposed to the printing plates. One plate for each of the printing colors is put on the press and printed with their respective colors. The addition of each color image on top of the other results in the reproduction of colors faithful to the original. Because tiny dots of different sizes and colors blend with each other, the eye does not see dots, but rather an illustration that re-creates all of the colors in the original.

     Finally, each print is hand inspected, signed by the artist marking his or her approval, and then numbered.

     Northwoods Craftsman takes a great deal of pride in offering limited edition prints which result from using the highest quality neutral pH paper and the finest fade-resistant inks available in today's market. If taken care of properly, these prints will last for many, many years.

Care of Prints

     All prints are composed of ink on paper or canvas. Those basic elements are affected by environmental factors that can slowly erode or quickly destroy them. Eventually, everything in nature reverts back to nature. With proper handling and care of your prints, you will lessen the effect of these environmental dangers, thus slowing down this natural process and allow you to fully enjoy your art for many, many years.

     The major factors that can destroy the value of your prints are: improper framing & handling, ultraviolet light, excessive heat and humidity, and insects and rodents.

Proper Framing

     Conservation or Preservation framing will protect your print in its original state and prevent warping, fading, tearing, or any other kind of print deterioration.

Do not:

  • Permantly mount the print to anything
  • Cut or trim the print
  • Apply any adhesives or tape to the print
  • Dry mount or laminate the print
  • Use poor quality mat boards
  • Store or back your print with corrugated cardboard

Proper Handling

     Paper is a fragile commodity; the more a print is handled, the greater the chance of damaging it. Improper handling can cause dinged corners, dimples, creases, discolored stain marks, scuffmarks in the margins, and dirt and oil spots caused from your hands. When this irreversible damage occurs to a print, the value will lessen and may even render the print worthless. Prints should be kept in protective folders, boxes, or shrink-wrapped using acid-free, archival materials.

Do not:

  • Roll or fold prints for storage or shipping
  • Stack heavy or sharp objects next to or on top of prints
  • Store under the bed unless protected from dust and damage

Ultraviolet Light

     The color pigments in inks and the whiteness of paper are subject to fading from ultraviolet light. This damage is irreversible. Both sunlight and fluorescent light are rich in ultraviolet light. Avoid excess exposure of your art to these lights. Fade-resistant inks and UV filters in premium picture framing glass help slow down the fading process.

Heat and Humidity

     Excessive heat, high humidity, extreme dryness, or climactic fluctuation will greatly affect your prints. Paper absorbs moisture and will expand with the increase of humidity and contact with dryness. Extreme fluctuations can cause your artwork to ripple or buckle. Extreme temperature and dryness can cause the paper to become brittle. Excess heat and humidity can cause moisture build-up, foster mold growth, and accelerate chemical deterioration. Ideally, try to keep your home at a steady relative humidity between 30% to 50%, and a steady temperature below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do not:

  • Store prints in attics, basements, or garages
  • Hang prints in bathrooms or over fireplaces
  • Leave prints in your vehicle
  • Allow moisture from glass condensation to drip on your print (store glass down until moisture is down)

Insects and Rodents

     Insects and rodents like chewing and eating paper, and are attracted by high humidity. Often when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, rodents seek shelter in warm places like your home. Be sure to inspect your prints frequently to help eliminate the possibility of damage from such animals. Do not ignore the slightest damage; deal with it immediately to prevent further harm to your prints. Your homeowner's insurance policy may not cover damage caused by insects or rodents.

Framing you Artwork

     The best way to enjoy the beauty of a limited edition print is through proper framing. This will also protect the print from possible damage. In order to ensure long-term preservation, it is recommended that all fine art be framed to the following conservation specifications:
  • 100% acid-free rag mat board should be used on all surfaces that come in direct contact with the print.
  • The print should be securely held in place on the sides and bottom by acid-free envelopes. The print is inserted between the envelope flaps and supended freely. It should not be hinged, glued down, or dry mounted.
  • Only premium quality picture framing glass should be used. Conservation glass can be used to increase protection from ultraviolet rays by up to 97%.
  • Although a double mat is not essential for print preservation, it is usually desirable for two reasons: The extra mat holds the print further away from the glass, preventing condensation damage, and with the addition of another mat or two, you can highlight colors within the print, which will enhance the overall appearance of the framed piece.
     Quality framing is expensive and often more than the price of the print. Everyone wants a Cadillac at sub-compact car prices. Using paper mats that contain acids will cause a print to become yellow, turn it yellow, stain it, or cause an acid burn line around the mat window. This will not happen over night, but in time as the print deteriorates, the value and your enjoyment will greatly depreciate.

     Conservation framing is like purchasing an insurance policy on your artwork. It protects your investment while you enjoy it and after many years it will appreciate in value.

Click HERE to the top of this page

We've created a Glossary
to help you
better understand

some of the
terminology
commonly used
in our industry.

Click
on the INFO
button above
to take you there
<