Caring for your giclée print

Correctly cared for your giclée print can bring pleasure to you and your family or friends for generations. So we've written some easy to follow care instructions below To minimise any issues or damage occurring, we always say your best bet is to buy your print already framed. But if you'd prefer to us your own framer, it's a good idea to get the print to them as soon as possible to avoid any accidents

General pointers for handling a giclée print

1. Giclée prints should be cared for in the same way as an original piece of art

2. This means that dirt, dust, moisture, oils, adhesives, solvents, heat, and anything that could scratch, dent or crease the paper should all be avoided when you are handling your print

3. Only handle the print with clean, dry hands (it's probably very unlikely, but if you own a pair of white cotton gloves, then they are perfect for the job, but if not, freshly cleaned hands will do) as skin oils can stain the paper

4. Use two hands to support your print and hold it by the edges; that way, it will not bend, and you will avoid finger smudges on the face of the print. As dents, creases and oily marks could be permanent

5. Keep your new giclée print covered with the acid-free tissue paper that it was posted with (or the acid-free protective sleeve for smaller prints) until it is framed, to avoid damage

6. Don’t use your hands to wipe off any dust as this can also damage the surface of your giclée print. Instead, use a dry, clean, white lint-free cloth or a photographer’s lens-brush

Flattening your rolled-up giclée print

1. Find a surface that is flat, smooth and hard. Clean it of any dirt and particles that might damage your print

2. Unpack the inner tube from the outer tube; your print is wrapped in acid-free tissue paper and rolled around the outside of this inner tube

3. Carefully remove the print from the postal tube whilst keeping it covered in the protective acid-free tissue paper

4. Lay the printout, image side up, on a flat surface

5. With the tissue paper still covering the print’s image, on the ends and around the middle of the print, place a few clean and dry objects that are smooth, flat and heavy...books are perfect

6. Let your giclée print relax overnight - if it still isn’t flat when you remove the books, replace them for a few more hours

Never be tempted to use an iron, steam, or moisture to flatten it - as this will definitely damage it!

Cleaning your print

1. Never try to clean a giclée print with a damp cloth, water or solvents

2. We recommend using a clean, white, dry, soft, lint-free cloth or a photographer’s lens brush to gently wipe off dust

3. Using a white non-coloured cloth will allow you to see when the dust has been collected

4. To avoid staining the giclée, do not clean it with a dirty or dark-coloured cloth