How to Care for Art Prints and Watercolours

Art on paper, including prints and watercolours, is more delicate than a painting on canvas. The good news is that a few simple habits will help it look beautiful for decades. This guide covers where to hang it, how to clean it, how to store it and what to do if something goes wrong.

Keep it out of direct light

Light is the biggest threat to art on paper. Direct sunlight, and even strong daylight, can fade pigments and make paper yellow over time. Watercolours can be especially sensitive. Hang your art away from windows and strong sun, and use UV-filtering glass or acrylic in the frame.

Tack Shed, an art print by Belinda Baynes, shown with a white border.

Control humidity and temperature

Paper absorbs moisture from the air, so damp is another major risk. Aim for stable conditions, with relative humidity commonly recommended at around 40 to 60 per cent. Avoid hanging works on paper in bathrooms, kitchens or against external walls that get damp. Avoid placing art over radiators, fireplaces or heaters.

Frame it properly

• Use an acid-free mount so the print does not touch the glass.

• Choose UV-filtering glazing.

• Use an acid-free backing board and a sealed dust cover.

• Hinge the print with archival tape. Never use sticky tape or glue.

Our guide to choosing a frame explains each of these in detail.

Golden Hour by Belinda Baynes, available as an original watercolour and as a signed limited-edition print.

Handling unframed prints

• Handle with clean, dry hands, holding the print by its edges.

• Lift it with two hands so the paper does not bend.

• Keep food and drinks well away.

Cleaning

• Dust the frame gently with a soft, dry cloth or brush.

• To clean glass, spray the cleaner onto a cloth rather than onto the glass, so liquid does not seep behind it.

• For acrylic, use a soft microfibre cloth and a cleaner designed for acrylic. Ammonia-based cleaners can damage it.

• Never try to clean the print itself.

Storing prints

• Store flat, in acid-free tissue or a portfolio, in a cool, dry place.

• Avoid attics, garages and sheds, where temperature and damp change.

• If you must roll a print, use a large-diameter tube, and avoid rolling it tightly.

Moving and transporting

Protect the corners, keep framed pieces upright or flat, and avoid placing heavy items on top. For large pieces, wrap with clean paper or cardboard and avoid bubble wrap directly against the surface of unframed work.

Hamptons Home, an original oil painting by Belinda Baynes.

Signs of trouble

• Brown spots, sometimes called foxing, can be caused by humidity.

• Mould or a musty smell means the artwork needs to be removed from display. Do not wipe it. Consult a paper conservator.

• Small silvery insects, such as silverfish, can nibble paper in damp conditions.

• Fading means too much light. Move the piece, and consider new glazing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hang a watercolour in the sun?

It is best not to. Watercolours can fade in direct light, so choose a spot away from strong sun and use UV-filtering glazing.

How do I clean the glass on a framed print?

Spray cleaner onto a soft cloth, not onto the glass, and wipe gently.

Is it safe to hang art in a bathroom?

It is best to avoid it for works on paper, because of humidity.

How long will an archival print last?

With good materials, framing and care, many decades. Read more in our guide to archival art prints.