Quick answer
To frame and store visual artwork without damage, use archival materials, handle prints with clean hands or gloves, and control light, humidity, and temperature. Frame with acid-free mats and UV-protective glazing, and store unframed pieces flat in acid-free folders away from sunlight and dampness.
Choose archival materials first
The materials touching your artwork determine its long-term condition. Look for acid-free or buffered mat board, mounting corners made of archival paper, and glazing with UV filtering. Avoid cardboard, newsprint, and standard masking tape, which can stain or embrittle paper over time. If a material is not labeled archival, treat it as temporary.
Handle prints with clean technique
Oils from your skin can etch into paper and attract dust. Wash and dry your hands or wear clean cotton or nitrile gloves before touching any print. Support the artwork from underneath with both hands, and never lift it by one corner. Work on a clean, flat surface covered with a fresh sheet of acid-free paper.
Frame without pressure or adhesives
Avoid dry mounting or spray adhesive unless a conservator recommends it for a specific piece. Instead, use archival mounting corners or a hinge system that allows the paper to expand and contract with humidity. Leave a small gap between the artwork and the frame edge so the paper is not pinched. If you use a mat, make sure it is acid-free and at least 2 inches wide on all sides for visual breathing room and protection.
Control light, climate, and pests
Direct sunlight and bright indoor lights fade inks and yellow paper. Hang artwork away from windows, radiators, and air vents. Keep humidity stable, ideally between 40 and 50 percent, and avoid damp basements or hot attics. Check stored pieces every few months for silverfish or mold, and address any musty smell immediately by isolating the affected item.
Store unframed work flat and protected
For unframed prints, interleave each piece with acid-free tissue or glassine, then place them in an acid-free folder or box. Store the box flat, not upright, to prevent warping. Do not stack heavy objects on top. If you must roll a large poster, roll it face out around a wide acid-free tube, then slide it into a sturdy tube. Unroll it flat as soon as possible to avoid memory curls.
Step-by-step framing and storage process
- Prepare a clean workspace: Clear a large table and cover it with a fresh sheet of acid-free paper. Wash your hands or put on clean gloves. Keep food, drinks, and pets away from the area. Checkpoint: if you see dust or crumbs, clean again before unrolling or unboxing any artwork.
- Inspect and document the artwork: Before framing or storing, note any existing tears, stains, or foxing. Take a photo for your records. Do not try to repair damage yourself with tape or glue. Checkpoint: if the piece has active mold or a strong odor, isolate it and consult a conservator before storing it with other items.
- Mount with archival corners or hinges: Place the artwork face up. Attach archival mounting corners to the back of the mat or backing board, then slide the print into the corners. For larger pieces, use a hinging method recommended for paper art. Never apply adhesive directly to the front or back of the artwork. Checkpoint: gently lift the frame; if the artwork shifts or falls, remount it before hanging.
- Assemble the frame with a moisture barrier: Place the glazing, then the mat, then the artwork, then a backing board. Seal the back with acid-free framing tape or a dust cover. Use a frame that allows the artwork to expand and contract. Checkpoint: make sure no part of the artwork is pinched between the frame and the glazing.
- Hang or store away from hazards: Hang framed work on an interior wall away from direct sun, heat sources, and dampness. For unframed storage, place interleaved prints in an acid-free box and store it flat in a cool, dry closet. Checkpoint: check stored artwork every three to six months for pests, warping, or moisture.
Product facts
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