The prints are a valuable treasure that deserves to be preserved over time. Whether you own an antique print with historical value or a modern artistic creation, it is important to take appropriate measures to ensure its long-term preservation. In this article, we will explore the best tips and techniques to keep your prints in excellent condition, ensuring their beauty and durability for future generations and that their market value is not devalued.
Proper handling:
Proper handling is crucial to avoid damage to a stamp. Whenever you touch a stamp, make sure your hands are clean and dry. Avoid direct contact with your fingers and instead use cotton or nitrile gloves to protect the surface of the print from the skin's natural oils, as it is advisable to avoid directly touching the surface of the image.
If it is necessary to lift the stamp, use tools such as soft-tipped tweezers or spatulas to avoid any physical contact that could damage the stamp. Also, avoid folding, folding, or rolling the stamps, as this could cause fractures in the paper or breakage of the ink.
Proper storage:
Correct storage is essential to preserve a print. Make sure to store it in a clean, dry environment, away from direct sunlight, humidity, insects, and sudden changes in temperature.
You can use file folders or storage boxes made from acid- and lignin-free materials, as these components can cause chemical damage to the paper over time.
If you plan to stack multiple stamps, always do so flat, not rolled or standing up, and place acid-free paper dividers between them to avoid direct contact and possible ink transfers.
Avoid exposure to sunlight:
Ultraviolet light can be extremely harmful to prints as it can fade colors and cause discoloration. Avoid hanging your prints in areas exposed to direct or intense sunlight. If you want to display them, consider using UV-protected glass or plexiglass, or use UV light filters to minimize the impact of harmful rays.
Humidity control:
Excessive humidity can cause serious damage to stamps, such as mold and paper warping. Keep prints in an environment with controlled humidity levels, preferably between 40% and 50%. Use dehumidifiers or humidifiers to keep humidity in an optimal range and avoid storing them in humid places such as basements or attics.
In addition to maintaining an environment with controlled humidity levels, it is advisable to use moisture absorbers, such as silica gel bags, in the storage area of your prints. These will absorb excess moisture and help prevent mold development or paper warping. However, you should be careful not to place the silica gel directly in contact with the stamp, as the granules could stick to the surface.
Avoid outdoor exposure:
Also, avoid hanging prints in areas where they may be exposed to heat. Prints should be kept away from areas with smoke, dust, and air pollutants. These elements can damage the surface of the print and affect its quality in the long term.
Exposure to direct sunlight and natural elements can significantly damage prints. If you want to display your prints, choose indoor locations where there is control over light, humidity and temperature. Make sure the artificial lights used are low UV or use UV filters to protect the prints from harmful ultraviolet rays. Additionally, avoid hanging prints in areas near fireplaces, radiators, hot air vents, or areas exposed to moisture and inclement weather, such as porches or patios. since sudden changes in temperature can negatively affect the paper and ink.
Proper conservation of prints is essential to maintain their value and beauty over time. By following these tips, you can protect your prints from damage caused by improper handling, sunlight, humidity, and other environmental factors. By preserving your prints properly, you will ensure their enjoyment and appreciation for many generations to come.
At Arte Exclusivo we keep all our prints in optimal conditions of temperature, light, humidity and environmental factors so that they reach you in perfect condition.
We always send our prints protected with barrier paper to avoid direct contact with the cardboard. We always ship them in sturdy flat boxes.