One of the most common questions we receive after a purchase is: how do I look after my artwork? It is a genuinely good question — and one that deserves more than a one-line answer.
A properly cared-for fine art print, produced with archival materials and displayed with some consideration, can retain its original quality for a century or more. The same print, poorly handled, can begin to fade within a decade. The difference lies almost entirely in how it is looked after.
Light: your artwork's biggest threat
Ultraviolet light is the primary cause of colour degradation in artwork. Even in a room that does not feel particularly bright, UV exposure accumulates over time — from windows, from certain artificial lighting, from seasonal changes in direct sunlight.
Position your artwork away from direct sunlight wherever possible. All Abstract House framed works use conservation-grade glass as standard, which blocks a significant proportion of harmful UV wavelengths. If your space has large south-facing windows, this protection becomes even more valuable.
Avoid displaying artwork directly opposite windows where direct sunlight falls on the work for extended periods of the day.
Temperature and humidity
Paper and canvas are living materials — they expand, contract, and respond to atmospheric changes. Consistent temperature and moderate humidity are your allies. Avoid displaying artwork above radiators or near other heat sources, in bathrooms or other high-humidity spaces, or in rooms subject to extreme temperature fluctuations such as conservatories.
An ideal display environment sits between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius with relative humidity around 45 to 55 percent. Most well-heated UK homes fall within this range without any special intervention.
Cleaning your artwork
For framed prints with glazing: use a soft, lightly damp cloth on the glass surface. Never spray cleaning product directly onto the glass — liquid can seep under the frame and damage the artwork. Dry immediately.
For unglazed canvas prints: a dry, soft cloth can gently remove surface dust. Never apply liquid to canvas art prints. Avoid using chemical cleaners on any frame material.
Moving and storing artwork
If you are moving home or storing artwork temporarily, keep pieces in their original packaging where possible. Stack canvases face-to-face or back-to-back (never face-to-back against a canvas). For framed works, store upright rather than flat, and ensure stored artwork is not in direct contact with concrete floors, which can transmit moisture.
The single most effective thing you can do is position your artwork thoughtfully from day one. Light, heat, and humidity are manageable. A little consideration at the hanging stage will protect your investment for decades.
