Print Care & Handling Guide

Why Proper Care Matters

Your London Print Works poster or art print is produced using high-quality inks, archival-grade print processes, and premium paper stocks designed to achieve bold, rich colour.

Proper care helps preserve vibrancy, prevent fading, and keep your artwork looking its best for many years. This guide explains how to handle, frame, display, and maintain your prints safely.

Handling Your Print

When unboxing or preparing your print:

  • Wash and dry your hands to avoid transferring oils or marks
  • Handle prints by the edges only – avoid touching the printed surface
  • If possible, wear clean cotton gloves
  • Remove prints slowly from tubes or flat packaging
  • Lay prints on a clean, dry, flat surface
  • Avoid pressing, folding, or bending the paper
  • If static causes prints to stick together, gently lift the top sheet away – do not pull or peel

Flattening Your Print (If Shipped in a Tube)

If your print arrives rolled:

  • Lay the print face down on a clean, flat surface
  • Place clean, flat weights (such as books or boards) on each corner
  • Leave for several hours or overnight
  • Do not rush the process

Avoid using heat to flatten prints, as this can damage inks and paper. Alternatively, allowing the print to settle inside a frame will naturally flatten it over time.

Framing Your Print

Framing is the best way to protect your artwork from:

  • Dust
  • Moisture
  • UV sunlight
  • Accidental handling or damage

Recommended framing guidelines:

  • Use a high-quality frame suitable for A3, A2, or A1 prints
  • Avoid acidic or low-quality backing boards
  • Choose acid-free mounting materials where possible
  • For longevity, select UV-protective acrylic or glass

See our Frame Recommendations page for suggested options.

Hanging & Display Locations

Where you display your print has a significant impact on its lifespan.

To protect your artwork:

  • Avoid direct sunlight – UV exposure causes fading over time
  • Avoid damp environments such as bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms
  • Keep away from radiators, heaters, fireplaces, or open flames
  • Maintain a stable room temperature
  • Avoid high-humidity areas
  • Hang away from high-traffic areas where people may brush against the frame

Direct sunlight is the single biggest cause of print fading, even when using high-quality inks.

Cleaning the Frame & Acrylic / Glass

To clean frames:

  • Use a soft microfiber cloth
  • Dust regularly to prevent build-up
  • Avoid abrasive pads or harsh chemical cleaners

For acrylic or glass:

  • Use a lens-safe or acrylic-safe cleaner
  • Never spray cleaner directly onto artwork if the backing is not sealed
  • Spray the cloth first, then wipe gently
  • Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, which can damage acrylic surfaces

Long-Term Preservation Tips

To maximise the lifespan of your print:

  • Keep artwork framed whenever possible
  • Avoid areas with extreme temperature changes
  • Store spare prints flat in a portfolio or archival sleeve
  • Use acid-free tissue paper for additional protection
  • Keep prints away from pets and small children
  • If moving house, wrap frames securely and transport upright

Well-cared-for prints can last for decades with minimal change in colour or texture.

Understanding Colour Variations

Printed colour may differ slightly from what you see on screen because:

  • Screens are backlit and emit light
  • Print relies on reflected light
  • Paper texture and finish affect colour perception
  • Bright tones (especially neon yellow and pink) naturally soften in print

We work with professional printing partners, but small variations are normal and part of the print process.

For more details, please see our Colour & Print Disclaimer.

If Your Print Arrives Damaged

Damage during transit is rare but can occur.

If your print arrives creased, scratched, bent, or flawed, please email info@londonprintworks.art with:

  • Your order number
  • Clear photos of the damaged print
  • Photos of the packaging (inside and outside)
  • A photo of the shipping label

We will review the issue and arrange a replacement or refund where appropriate.

If Your Print Looks Washed Out or Incorrect

Because prints are produced on demand, occasional print issues can occur.

Please contact us if:

  • Colours appear significantly faded
  • There is streaking or banding
  • The print appears pixelated
  • The artwork differs noticeably from the product image

We may request photos to help resolve the issue quickly.

Storage If Not Displaying the Print

If storing a print for future use:

  • Keep in a cool, dry, dark place
  • Avoid tight rolling; use a wide tube if rolling is necessary
  • Do not store in damp lofts, garages, or basements
  • Use acid-free tissue paper to protect the print surface

Archival storage helps prevent yellowing, curling, and moisture damage.

General Do’s & Don’ts

Do:

  • Frame as soon as possible
  • Keep artwork out of direct sunlight
  • Handle prints carefully
  • Use acid-free materials
  • Keep prints dry and dust-free

Don’t:

  • Hang in direct sunlight
  • Expose prints to moisture
  • Use strong or abrasive cleaning products
  • Touch the printed surface
  • Fold or bend the paper

Need Help or Advice?

If you have any questions about caring for your print – framing, hanging, or materials used – please contact us at info@londonprintworks.art.

We’re always happy to help you keep your artwork looking its best.