Care & Handling

Caring for Fine Art photography prints ensures their beauty and integrity over time. These guidelines apply to all WildLenz works, whether framed, unframed, paper-based, or presented in acrylic glass. They are based on professional standards for handling, display, environmental exposure, and long-term preservation

Handling Principles

When handling Fine Art prints:

- Always wash and dry hands thoroughly before touching the artwork. Oils and moisture from skin can transfer to prints and negatively affect surfaces. 

- If possible, wear clean white cotton gloves to avoid oils, salts, and moisture from coming into contact with the surface. 

- Do not touch the printed area directly; handle by edges or margins. 

Proper handling minimizes abrasion, smudging, and surface degradation.

Display & Environment

Fine Art prints are sensitive to their environment:

- Avoid direct sunlight, which can accelerate fading and reduce tonal range over time, even when UV-protective glazing is used.

- Keep prints away from high humidity, steam, and rapid temperature fluctuations (bathrooms, kitchens, near heaters) which can encourage surface distortion and humidity stress. 

- Ideal display conditions feature stable temperature and humidity, with low to moderate light levels and minimal direct heat exposure. 

Cleaning & Routine Maintenance

Different formats require different care:

Framed Prints (Acrylic or Paper Behind Glazing)

- Remove surface dust gently using a soft, dry microfiber cloth or a soft brush. 

- Do not spray cleaners directly onto any surface. If necessary, apply a mild, ammonia-free cleaner to a cloth first, then gently wipe the glazing. 

- Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents, as they can damage both trim and glazing. 

Acrylic-Mounted Prints

- Acrylic surfaces can attract static and dust; wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth using light pressure. 

- Avoid glass cleaners with harsh chemicals or ammonia.

Fuji Crystal Photo Print

- Wipe gently with light strokes using a microfiber, supporting the print to avoid flexing.
- Handle by the edges whenever possible to prevent fingerprints.

If Light Marks Appear

- Use a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with distilled water only.
- Wipe softly, then follow immediately with a dry cloth.
- Never allow moisture to pool near the edges.

Avoid

- Paper towels or abrasive materials
- Household cleaners, alcohol, glass sprays, or disinfectants
- Excess pressure when wiping
- Direct spray onto the print surface

Framing & Storage

Framing & Professional Presentation

For long-term display:

- Choose acid-free matting and backing boards to reduce chemical interaction that can degrade paper over time. 

- UV-protective glazing (either acrylic or glass) is recommended to mitigate light exposure. 

- Always ensure the artwork does not rest directly against glazing; use spacers to keep the surface clear.

Professional framing by a qualified framer ensures your prints are mounted and protected according to archival standards.

Unframed Fine Art Prints

- If storing unframed prints temporarily, keep them flat and protected between acid-free tissue or archival sleeves. 

- Avoid placing prints where they can rub against each other without protection.

Storage Recommendations

If artwork is not on display:

- Store prints flat in archival boxes or portfolios. Avoid leaning prints vertically where bending or pressure can occur. 

- Use acid-free sleeves, folders, or interleaving tissue between prints to prevent surface abrasion. 

- Maintain a stable environment with controlled temperature and humidity.

Long-Term Preservation

Consistent environmental conditions, careful handling, and appropriate framing and storage all contribute to the longevity of your artwork. With proper care, WildLenz prints can maintain their visual integrity and presence for decades.

Lighting

Lighting Considerations

Properly lighting a Fine Art photograph requires a balanced approach using both focused and diffused light. The ideal spread depends on the distance between the fixture and the artwork, as well as the size and surface of the print.

Multiple light sources can be effective when carefully positioned. Directional MR16 bulbs are commonly used in gallery environments for their controlled beam and color stability. For best results, consultation with a qualified electrician or lighting professional is recommended to ensure appropriate illumination and presentation.