Quick answer
To care for a letterpress art print, handle it with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves, keep it out of direct sunlight, dust it gently with a soft brush, and store it flat in an acid-free sleeve away from humidity.
Why letterpress prints need special care
Letterpress printing creates a subtle, tactile impression in the paper. That texture can be delicate. Unlike a standard digital print, the raised ink and pressed fibers can be damaged by moisture, rough handling, or even the wrong type of frame. A little extra attention goes a long way toward preserving the handcrafted feel.
The good news is that basic care is straightforward. You don't need museum-grade equipment. Just a few mindful habits will keep your print looking fresh for years.
5 steps to care for your letterpress art print
- 1. Handle with clean hands or cotton gloves: Before touching the print, wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Oils and dirt from your skin can transfer to the paper and cause discoloration over time. For extra protection, wear clean cotton gloves. Hold the print by the edges, never touching the printed area. Common mistake: touching the printed area with bare fingers can leave oils that attract dust and cause yellowing.
- 2. Display away from direct sunlight and moisture: UV rays from windows can fade the ink and yellow the paper over time. Choose a wall that doesn't get direct sun. Also avoid hanging the print in bathrooms, kitchens, or near humidifiers. High humidity can cause the paper to ripple or the ink to bleed. Checkpoint: if the print is in a room with humidity above 60%, consider moving it to a drier location.
- 3. Dust gently with a soft, dry brush: Use a soft, clean artist's brush or a microfiber cloth to gently remove dust. Lightly sweep from the center outward. Do not use water, cleaning sprays, or any liquid. Do not rub the surface, especially over the letterpress impression, as this can flatten the texture. Common mistake: using a damp cloth or spray cleaner can cause the ink to run and the paper to warp.
- 4. Store flat in an acid-free sleeve: If you're not framing the print right away, store it flat in the protective cello sleeve it came in. If you need a long-term storage solution, use an acid-free archival box or portfolio. Do not store in a cardboard tube, which can cause curling and creasing. Checkpoint: always store between acid-free sheets to prevent yellowing from acidic materials.
- 5. Frame with UV-protective glass and a mat: Use a standard frame with UV-protective glass to block harmful rays. A mat creates a small gap between the glass and the print, preventing moisture from getting trapped and the ink from sticking to the glass. The print's size (8" x 10") fits standard frames, making this easy. Common mistake: framing without a mat can cause the ink to stick to the glass in humid conditions.
Products mentioned in this guide
-
Two Lives Intertwined Letterpress Art Print: Letterpress printed with hand-carved woodblocks and polymer plates; signed by the artist; measures 8" x 10" to fit standard frames; ships in a protective cello sleeve with acid-free backing. The hand-carved nature means the ink sits slightly raised on the paper, so you should avoid rubbing or pressing on the surface during cleaning or framing.
Two Lives Intertwined Letterpress Art Print