CARING FOR YOUR EDITIONS

• Avoid direct sunlight for optimal longevity

Shield your Edition from direct sunlight. South-facing windows should be avoided, and ultraviolet (UV) filtering glass should be used for framing irreplaceable Editions.

• Avoid environments with high humidity

Humidity accelerates the deterioration of paper and materials, and also increases the potential risk of damage from mould and pests. Fluctuations in humidity levels can also cause tension across the surface of the Edition, leading to undulations, and a ripple effect.

• Avoid damp walls

It is advised not to hang your framed or un-framed Edition directly against the interior of an outside wall affected by damp, as mould is likely to accumulate inside the Edition and/or frame.

• The five main factors

The durability of your printed Edition is greatly influenced by five primary variables:

1. Exposure To High Heat Sources

2. Exposure To Bright Sight Sources

3. Exposure To Moisture Through Humidity

4. Atmospheric Pollutants

5. Storage Conditions

• Giclée archival life expectancy

The Giclée archival life expectancy of your UOWCIII Edition is approximately at least 80 years under average daylight conditions and can extend up to 200 years when stored in dark conditions within an archival box.

Average daylight conditions: 80 Years
Dark storage in archival box: 200 Years

• How to prolong the life of your Edition

To enhance the longevity of your Edition, it is essential to consider not only light, heat, and atmospheric pollutants, but also additional factors.

These include the use of adhesives that may cause degradation over time and the emission of sulphur compounds from materials such as rubber and wood, which can initiate fading and instability.

Therefore, it is recommended to store your prints in archival materials, including archival acetate sleeves, and place them inside archival storage boxes made from acid-free conservation board.

• Avoid temperature fluctuations & high humidity

Once the print is stored using archival materials, it should be kept in a location away from fluctuating temperatures and potentially, high humidity conditions.

Areas such as attics, basements, or next to outside walls, which experience more fluctuations in conditions and where condensation frequently occurs, should be avoided.

Regular checks on your stored boxes to ensure they are free from pests, moisture, dust, and are in good condition are also advised.

• Preserving artwork for display purposes

For display purposes, conservation framing is the best method to preserve artwork. This involves placing the artwork behind glass to protect it from the surrounding environment.

When mounting for framing, it is ideal to use 100% cotton fibre, acid-free unbuffered mount boards. UV protective conservation clear glass also reduces the impact of exposure to bright light sources.

UOWCIII Editions

Interested in collecting a UOWCIII Edition as a framed print?

Please enquire below. We'd be delighted to discuss the availability options with you.

Enquire →