How to Care for Your Wall Art

Highlights:

• Gioia Wall Art specialises in producing high-quality Giclée prints, which are faithful reproductions of original artwork created using specialized techniques. Giclée refers to the process of spraying ink onto the print surface.
• Proper handling and storage are crucial for maintaining the longevity and quality of Giclée wall art prints. Handle prints with clean hands, avoid touching the printed surface, store them in a dry, cool, and dark environment, and use acid-free materials for storage.
• When cleaning prints, use a soft, dry, and clean microfiber cloth or brush to remove dust or debris. If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with distilled water or a mild, pH-neutral cleaning solution. Test any cleaning solution on a small area first and avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, and compressed air or vacuums.
• Framing wall art with acid-free matting and UV-protective glass or acrylic helps protect prints from environmental factors and enhances the visual appeal. Choose sturdy frames, avoid direct sunlight or harsh lighting, and hang the print securely using appropriate hardware.
• Regular maintenance and inspection are important. Check for damage and address any issues immediately. Keep Giclée prints away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. Store them flat or rolled, rotate them periodically, and protect them from dust and debris.

 

At Gioia Wall Art, we take pride in producing high-quality art using Giclée printing techniques. This process involves specialised techniques to create faithful reproductions of original artwork, with the word "Giclée" derived from the French word "to spray." 

Using a high-resolution inkjet printer, we're able to produce prints with exceptional colour accuracy and sharpness, resulting in beautiful pieces that capture the essence of the original artwork.

These prints are becoming increasingly popular as a way to bring beautiful works of art into your home or office space. However, wall art prints are not just decorative items but also investments that require proper care and maintenance to ensure their longevity and value.

 In this article, we will discuss the best practices for taking care of your wall art. From handling and storage to cleaning and framing, we will cover all the essential steps to help you preserve the beauty and quality of your wall art for years to come.

Handling and Storage

To ensure the longevity and quality of your wall art, it's important to handle them with care and store them properly. Here are some best practices to follow: 

1. Always handle your prints with clean and dry hands to avoid leaving fingerprints or smudges. If possible, wear white cotton gloves.
2. When handling the prints, avoid touching the printed surface to prevent scratches, abrasions, or other damage.
3. Store your art in a dry, cool, and dark environment to prevent fading, discolouration, or other forms of deterioration. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in humid areas.
4. Keep your art away from solvent-based materials, such as oil paints and linseed oil, as the vapours can cause yellowing and other forms of damage to giclée prints.
5. Use acid-free materials to store your prints, including acid-free paper sleeves, folders, or portfolios. This helps to prevent damage from acidic materials, which can cause discolouration, fading, or even deterioration of the print over time.
6. Consider framing your prints using acid-free matting and UV-protective glass to protect them from any environmental factors that can damage them.

Cleaning

While it's important to keep your wall art in a clean and dry environment, it's also important to avoid over-cleaning them, as this can cause damage. Here are the best practices to follow when cleaning your prints:

Dos 

1. Use a soft, dry, and clean microfibre cloth or brush to gently remove any dust or debris from the surface of the print.
2. If necessary, you can use a slightly dampened (not wet) microfibre cloth to gently clean the surface of the print, working in a circular motion. Use distilled water or a mild, pH-neutral cleaning solution, applied sparingly to the cloth rather than directly to the print.
3. Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the print before cleaning the entire surface.

Don'ts 

1. Avoid using harsh cleaning solutions or chemicals, as these may damage the print.
2. Do not use rough or abrasive materials to clean the print, such as paper towels, tissues, or sponges.
3. Avoid using compressed air or vacuums to clean your art, as this can cause damage or even detach the ink from the paper.

Framing and Displaying

Framing your wall art protects the prints from environmental factors that can cause damage, while also enhancing visual appeal. Here are some best practices you can follow: 

1. Use acid-free matting and backing to help prevent discolouration and damage over time. Look for materials that are labelled "conservation grade" or "archival quality."
2. Consider using UV-protective glass or acrylic to help reduce the risk of fading or discolouration from exposure to sunlight or artificial light sources.
3. Use a sturdy frame that will support the weight of the print without bending or warping the paper. Avoid frames with clips or other fasteners that can damage the print or the edges of the paper.
4. When displaying your print, consider its placement in relation to light sources. Avoid placing the print in direct sunlight or under harsh artificial lighting, as this can cause fading or discolouration over time. Instead, choose a location with moderate or indirect lighting, and consider using spotlights or accent lighting to highlight the print.
5. Hang the print securely using appropriate hardware, such as D-rings and wire, and make sure that the weight is distributed evenly across the frame.

Maintenance and Preservation

While proper handling, storage, cleaning, and framing can help protect your wall art prints, regular maintenance and inspection are also important to ensure their longevity and value. Here are some tips to help you maintain and preserve your prints: 

1. Regularly inspect your prints for signs of damage, such as creases, tears, discolouration, or fading. Address any issues immediately to prevent further damage or deterioration.
2. Keep your prints away from sources of heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.
3. Store your prints flat or rolled, avoiding folding or bending the paper, and handle them with care when moving or transporting them.
4. Keep your prints away from dust, debris, and other environmental factors that can cause damage or deterioration.
5. If you have multiple prints, rotate them periodically to avoid prolonged exposure to the same environmental factors or lighting conditions.

Take Care of Your Gioia Wall Art Today

Giclée fine art prints from Gioia Wall Art are not only a source of beauty and inspiration but also investments that require proper care and maintenance. By taking good care of them, you can enjoy your wall art for years to come and pass them down as treasured heirlooms. 

We hope that this guide has been helpful in providing you with the information and resources you need to properly care for your Gioia Wall Art prints. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us for further guidance and support.