Question 16 of 18 · Chapter 4: Living with it
I will not put a number on it that I cannot back up. Keep a print out of harsh direct sun and damp, and it should look good for a long time. The print house says its archival materials are stable when properly stored and displayed. Care is simple, and it is below.
Why no number
You will see big claims online about how many years a print will last. They depend on the ink, the paper or metal, where it hangs, and how it is looked after. Blazing Editions says archival pigment inks and papers give long-term stability when properly stored and displayed, and that dye-sublimation aluminum can be long lasting too. They do not publish a number, so I will not invent one. If you want independent testing, Wilhelm Research is where people look.
Taking care of it
- Paper: dust lightly, and keep it out of direct sun
- Metal: wipe gently with a soft dry cloth
- Frames: use UV protective glass if you can
- Keep it away from damp and heavy humidity
The National Gallery of Art has a wonderful collection of articles on caring for art.
Next is How do I hang a fine art print? and then What do prints look like in real rooms?