Care Instructions
CARE & DISPLAY GUIDE
Helping your Marea print look its best for years to come.
HANGING YOUR PRINT
Framed prints Your framed print arrives with hanging hardware already attached. For the best result, hang using a wall hook or picture hook rated for the weight of the piece. We recommend a hook with a slight downward angle to keep the frame flush against the wall.
Loose prints If you've purchased a loose print and are framing it yourself, handle it by the edges only and avoid touching the printed surface. Fingerprints and oils from skin can leave marks that are difficult to remove. We recommend wearing clean cotton gloves when handling unframed prints.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SPOT
Avoid direct sunlight. Even with UV-protective glazing on framed prints, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will cause fading over time. Choose a wall that receives indirect or ambient light rather than a spot directly opposite a sunny window.
Watch out for humidity. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens experience significant moisture fluctuation. This can cause paper to warp and frames to swell or crack. We recommend displaying prints in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, or offices where humidity is stable.
Avoid heat sources. Don't hang prints directly above radiators, fireplaces, or heating vents. Sustained heat can dry out the paper and affect the frame over time.
Mind the lighting. Warm ambient lighting — like Edison bulbs or warm LED — tends to bring out the richness of fine art prints beautifully. Harsh fluorescent lighting can flatten colors. If you're lighting a print with a picture light or spotlight, angle it to avoid glare on the glazing.
CLEANING YOUR FRAMED PRINT
The frame Wipe the frame with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. For stubborn marks, lightly dampen the cloth with water — avoid any chemical cleaners or polishes, which can strip the finish over time.
The glazing Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth to gently wipe the acrylic glazing. Do not use paper towels, which can scratch the surface. Avoid ammonia-based glass cleaners like Windex — these can cloud or damage the acrylic over time. If needed, a small amount of plain water on a microfibre cloth works perfectly.
The print itself The print is protected behind the glazing and should never need cleaning. If dust gets behind the glazing, take the frame to a professional framer for cleaning rather than attempting to remove the backing yourself.
CARING FOR LOOSE PRINTS
If you've purchased a loose print and are storing it before framing:
- Keep it rolled or flat in a clean, dry environment
- Store away from direct light and humidity
- Do not fold or crease the paper
- Handle by the edges only, or use clean cotton gloves
- Frame as soon as possible to protect the surface long-term
LONG-TERM CARE
Fine art prints made with archival materials are designed to last generations with minimal care. The biggest threats to print longevity are UV light, humidity, and physical damage — all of which are easy to manage with the right placement and a little attention.
If a framed print ever needs re-framing down the line, take it to a professional framer and specify acid-free mat board and UV-protective glazing to maintain the archival integrity of the piece.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions about caring for your print or need advice on display, we're always happy to help.