Even if a
reproduction has a life expectancy of 50+ years it could be ruined after only a
decade. If your intention is to keep it valuable there’s only one way: keep it
horizontal in a conservation metal cabinets (better than wood) and away of
light but if your intention is to use it for what it’s meant then framing and
hanging in my eyes is the way to go and here is how to do it.
So, you are framing
it right? At this point the color fading of your reproduction is inevitable but
there are certain factors you should take in consideration if you want to give
longevity to your well-expended money:
When we are talking
about ILLUMINATION keep in mind
the Intensity, UV exposure and Heat.
Intensity: For the
images to last longer is better not to expose them to direct light, specially
to anything more than 450 lux.
Heat: keep your
framed or unframed art, photo or reproduction distant from heat sources like
fireplaces or heating vents, this exposure will cause premature aging. A
permanent humidity below 40 percent will dry out the paper and make it brittle.
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| 6th Street Original fine print |
UV: Remember Ultraviolet (UV) light rays affect at direct or
indirect natural light (sun) exposure as well as from other sources such as
florescent lighting. To help in the
preservation:
- All reproductions
come coated with Hahnemuhler UV protection sprayed
on them.
- You
can also use in the framing UV
protection glass blocks 97% of the harmful UV or Plexiglas
blocking 99% but keep in mind this last one while
harder to break and cheaper also gets scratched easier.
- Shield Sheets are
relatively new in the market. It comes with a 99% UV protection and is easy to
manipulate. All you have to do is cut and place it behind the glass or between
frame and glass. The advantage is these are scratch
resistant and cheaper than the other products.
For those who need to
highlight with a lightning source is recommended to use incandescent bulbs, the florescent ones produce much more UV than an the incandescent.
As I
said photodegradation will happen
eventually, nonetheless, There are other
factors that can speed the process.
HUMIDITY
Mold: It grows in
conditions of high humidity, direct wetting, and poor air circulation. Keeping
your prints in places such as basements or bathrooms will produce irreversible
damage. How to avoid it? Ventilate and in the worst scenario keep silica gel
close by, it absorbs the moisture.
Foxing: Is the slow
process of spotting and browning that develops on vintage paper, it’s normally
sprinkled over the print. Again, storing art prints in high humidity and
without air circulation are the causes and will inevitably cause the stains.
Furthermore, humidity
attracts pests like SILVERFISH AND MITES, which are another danger for your art
print.
POLLUTION
Indoor pollution
comes from a variety of sources like
the material itself (paper, ink, etc containing acid), carpets, paints,
dust, the sweat from your hands, smoke, ozone, cooking fumes and other
materials and chemicals.
Is recommended to
have your reproduction professionally dry mounted and well sealed with all
acid-free mounting and matting materials.
If taken care of your
reproduction will stand without any sign of photodegradation for a lifetime.
Take a moment to set it up and enjoy for life!
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