How to Frame and Preserve Art Prints: A Step-by-Step Guide

Art prints are more than just decorations—they are investments in beauty, memory, and personal expression. Whether you have just purchased a stunning piece like the Imagined Skies No8 by Alex Barros or a delicate botanical from the archive collection, proper framing and preservation are essential to maintain their vibrancy and value. Without the right techniques, even the highest-quality giclée print can fade, yellow, or warp over time.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of framing and preserving art prints, from selecting archival materials to hanging your piece in the ideal location. You will learn how to protect your artwork from UV rays, humidity, and physical damage, ensuring that your favorite prints remain as captivating as the day you brought them home.

Why Archival Framing Matters for Art Print Preservation

Standard framing materials often contain acids and lignin that can leach into your art print, causing yellowing, brittleness, and irreversible staining. Archival framing uses acid-free mats, backing boards, and UV-filtering glass to create a stable environment that slows down chemical degradation. For prints that hold sentimental or monetary value—such as limited editions or artist-signed works—archival framing is not a luxury but a necessity.

Beyond chemical stability, archival framing also protects against physical damage. A proper frame with a dust seal on the back prevents insects, dust, and pollutants from reaching the print. Combined with a sturdy hanging system, archival framing ensures your art stays flat, clean, and securely displayed for years to come.

• Always choose acid-free and lignin-free mat boards and backing materials.
• UV-filtering acrylic or glass blocks 97-99% of harmful ultraviolet light.
• Use a frame with a rigid back and secure points to prevent warping.

Step 1: Gather Your Archival Framing Supplies

Before you begin, assemble the right tools and materials. You will need an acid-free mat (single or double), an acid-free foam core or conservation-grade backing board, UV-protective glass or acrylic, a sturdy frame, and archival-quality hinging tape (such as linen tape or Japanese paper hinges). Avoid self-adhesive tapes or glues, as they can damage the print over time.

If you are framing a print from your collection, consider the overall aesthetic. For example, a vibrant piece like the Love and Magique Green Art Print pairs beautifully with a crisp white or soft cream mat that echoes its botanical energy. For darker or more moody prints, a charcoal or deep navy mat can create a dramatic frame-within-a-frame effect.

• Purchase materials from a reputable art supply store or custom framer who specializes in conservation.
• Wear cotton gloves when handling prints to avoid transferring oils from your skin.
• Work in a clean, dry, dust-free area with good lighting.

Step 2: Prepare the Art Print for Framing

First, let your art print acclimate to the room environment for at least 24 hours. Paper expands and contracts with humidity, so allowing it to adjust prevents buckling after framing. Unroll or flatten the print gently, placing it under a clean, flat weight (like a stack of books) if it has been stored rolled. Never iron or press the print directly.

Once flat, measure the print carefully. The mat opening should be slightly smaller than the image area to hold the print securely, but not so small that it crops the artwork. For prints with a white border, you can either float the print (mount it on a backing board with the border visible) or use an overmat that covers the border entirely.

• Use a clean, lint-free cloth to gently dust the print before framing.
• If the print has a signature or edition number, consider a mat that does not obscure it.
• For delicate or valuable prints, consult a professional framer.

Step 3: Mount the Print Using Archival Hinging

Archival hinging is the safest way to attach a print to its backing without using adhesives that touch the image surface. Cut small strips of archival linen tape or Japanese paper, moisten them slightly (use distilled water), and attach them to the top edge of the print on the back side. Then press the other end of the hinge onto the backing board. This allows the print to hang freely and expand or contract naturally.

Never use pressure-sensitive tape, rubber cement, or spray adhesive. These materials can stain, discolor, or chemically react with the print over time. For large prints, use multiple hinges spaced evenly along the top edge. For small prints, two hinges are usually sufficient.

• Test the hinge on a scrap piece of paper first to ensure it holds properly.
• Allow hinges to dry completely before mounting the mat and frame.
• If the print is valuable, consider using a sink mount (a window mat that holds the print from the front).

Step 4: Assemble the Frame with a Protective Seal

Place the mounted print into the frame, ensuring the mat sits flush against the glass or acrylic. Use a dust seal—a strip of archival paper or tape—across the back of the frame to block dust and insects. This also helps maintain a stable microclimate inside the frame. Finally, attach the hanging hardware securely, using two D-rings and a wire rated for the weight of your frame.

For prints that will be displayed in bright rooms, consider using museum-grade acrylic instead of glass. Acrylic is lighter, shatter-resistant, and offers excellent UV protection. However, it can scratch more easily, so clean it with a microfiber cloth and a solution specifically designed for acrylic.

• Leave a small gap (1-2 mm) between the print and the glass to prevent moisture buildup.
• Use a level when hanging to ensure your framed print is straight.
• Avoid hanging art prints in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in humid areas like bathrooms.

Step 5: Long-Term Preservation and Display Tips

Even with archival framing, ongoing care is important. Rotate your prints occasionally to prevent uneven exposure to light. Dust the frame and glass regularly with a soft, dry cloth. If you need to clean the print itself, consult a professional conservator. Avoid using any liquid cleaners or sprays near the artwork.

Consider storing extra prints flat in a portfolio box or archival sleeve, away from light and temperature extremes. If you have multiple prints from the same series—such as the botanical collection—you can create a rotating gallery wall that keeps your decor fresh while extending the life of each piece.

• Keep framed prints away from exterior walls that may have temperature fluctuations.
• Use a hygrometer in the room to monitor humidity (ideal range: 40-50%).
• For high-value prints, consider adding a UV-protective coating to the glass.

Framing and preserving your art prints doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require attention to detail and the right materials. By following these steps, you can enjoy your favorite artworks for decades without worrying about fading, yellowing, or damage. Whether you are framing a bold tropical piece or a serene landscape, the effort you invest now will pay off every time you glance at your wall. Explore our curated collection of art prints to find your next masterpiece, and remember that proper framing is the final touch that makes any print truly shine.