Art prints are currently reshaping the art market, and giclée prints have become a vital part of modern art collecting. People value them for their exceptional color accuracy, fine detail, and archival quality. They also bridge the gap between original artworks and accessible editions. But while giclée prints are made to last, their longevity depends heavily on how you handle, display, and maintain them.
Properly caring for your giclée prints can mean the difference between a print that looks stunning for decades and one that fades or deteriorates prematurely. This guide walks you through best practices for caring for your prints, whether they are on paper or canvas, so your collection remains vibrant and valuable over time.
Understanding What Makes Giclée Prints Special
Before diving into care tips, it helps to understand what a giclée print actually is. The term “giclée” refers to a high-end inkjet printing process that uses microscopic droplets of pigment-based inks. The printer sprays these inks onto archival-quality substrates like cotton rag paper or artist-grade canvas.
Pigment inks are far more stable than dye-based inks, and if you combine them with acid-free papers, giclée prints can last 70–100 years or more under ideal conditions. Caring for your prints properly from day one will help them achieve that long life span.
Displaying Giclée Prints the Right Way
Thoughtful placement and framing choices protect both the artwork and your investment.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Light exposure is the single biggest threat to a giclée print. Even the highest-quality pigment inks can fade if exposed to strong UV rays over time. So keep prints away from direct sunlight to prevent fading, and avoid placing prints opposite large windows or in rooms with intense, prolonged daylight. If a bright room is unavoidable, consider UV-filtering glass or acrylic for framing, and use curtains or blinds to reduce exposure during peak daylight hours.
Control Temperature and Humidity
Giclée prints do best in stable environments, because extreme heat, cold, or sudden swings in humidity can warp paper or cause canvas to loosen and crack. To protect your prints, aim for temperatures between 65–75°F (18–24°C) and relative humidity around 40–55%. Keep them away from radiators, fireplaces, air conditioning vents, or bathrooms, where conditions can change quickly.
Choose Frame Styles Thoughtfully
Framing isn’t just decorative, it’s also protective. A well-chosen frame shields your print from dust, light, and physical damage while complementing the artwork itself. Minimalist frames work well for contemporary prints, while traditional frames often suit classic or illustrative works.
The most important consideration, however, is what’s inside the frame: Use acid-free framing materials for longevity like we do here at Grand River Giclée. Choosing mats, backing boards, and hinging materials without acids helps prevent yellowing and brittleness over time. For especially valuable pieces, museum-grade or conservation framing provides extra protection and peace of mind.
Handling Giclée Prints Safely
Improper handling can damage prints before they even reach the wall. Even small mistakes, like touching the surface or placing prints on a dirty table, can leave permanent marks or creases.
Always Handle With Care
Giclée prints are delicate, so treat each piece as you would an original artwork. Skin oils, dirt, and moisture can transfer easily from your hands to the print surface, which can dull colors or cause stains. Always hold prints by the edges or use clean cotton gloves, and avoid touching the print surface directly.
Workspace and Stacking Tips
When handling unframed prints, make sure your workspace is clean, dry, and free of food or liquids. If you need to stack prints, always place a sheet of archival tissue paper between them to protect the surfaces.
Transporting and Storing Prints
If you need to store a giclée print temporarily, lay it flat in an archival portfolio to prevent bending or creasing. For unframed prints that can be rolled, wrap them loosely with the image side out, using acid-free paper to protect the surface. Avoid tubes that are too tight, since excessive pressure can crack canvas prints or harm heavily inked areas. Handling prints carefully during storage helps preserve their colors and ensures they stay in pristine condition.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Giclée prints require relatively little maintenance, but when cleaning is necessary, handle them with care.
Cleaning Paper Giclée Prints
For paper prints behind glass, clean the glass rather than the artwork. Use a soft microfiber cloth and spray cleaner onto the cloth, not directly on the glass, to prevent moisture from seeping inside the frame. If dust gets inside, have the print professionally reframed rather than attempting to clean it yourself.
Cleaning Canvas Giclée Prints
Exposed canvas surfaces collect dust over time, so dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth or a clean paintbrush. For deeper cleaning, wipe gently with a slightly damp cloth using very light pressure. Avoid cleaning solutions, soaps, or chemicals, as they can damage both the ink and the canvas coating.
Long-Term Preservation Tips
Preserving your giclée prints for decades requires a few simple but important practices. Taking proactive steps now can help ensure your collection remains vibrant, valuable, and in excellent condition over time.
Rotate Displayed Artwork
Even with UV protection, no print is completely immune to light exposure. Collectors with valuable or sentimental pieces may choose to rotate artwork periodically, giving prints “rest time” in storage while displaying others.
Insure Valuable Prints
Limited-edition or artist-signed giclée prints deserve extra protection, so add them to your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Keep receipts, certificates of authenticity, and photos handy, since these details make it much easier to protect your investment if anything happens.
Work With Professionals When Needed
If a print shows signs of damage, such as mold, warping, or significant fading, consult a professional conservator. Attempting DIY repairs can often make the problem worse and permanently reduce the print’s value.
Caring for Your Collection as a Whole
Collecting giclée prints is about more than ownership; it’s about stewardship. Each piece reflects an artist’s vision and craftsmanship, and caring for your prints ensures that vision can be enjoyed for generations.
Controlling light exposure, keeping a stable environment, handling prints thoughtfully, and using archival materials all help your giclée prints look their best. Whether you are building a personal collection or investing in limited editions, these practices protect both the beauty and the value of your art.
In the end, caring for giclée prints isn’t complicated. It simply requires intentional attention. A little effort today can preserve your collection for decades to come.