Ron McCombe Wildlife Photography

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Framing and handling prints
When choosing a space to hang a print it is important to consider the following:

1. Lighting
Too much direct light whether artificial or sunlight on to the surface of a print will inevitably change original colours and cause fading to occur. Conservatories and very bright rooms are not suitable for hanging prints.
2. Humidity
Prints can suffer damage in overly humid conditions. Water may cause an uneven print surface and discoloration to occur. For this reason we would not recommend that prints are hung in bathrooms and, in some cases, kitchens.
3. Heat
Prints should not be hung directly above radiators or in direct sunlight.
Giclee prints must NOT be handled without the use of the cotton gloves provided. The prints WILL mark if handled. They must also not be sealed e.g. by laminating. Framing is fine as long as the surface of the print is not in contact with the glass.
We recommend the use of UV resistant glass (non-shatter) as this will block out harmful light rays and further protect the print from breakage. Always ensure that there is an air gap between the print surface and the glass, as failure to do so will lead to humidity pockets on the surface of the print. Check that the glass does not have a strong tint, as this will change the appearance of the print.
When choosing a mountboard, ask for acid free framing mount materials. Non-professional materials have high acidity levels, which over time will damage the print.
4. Adhesives: ask for acid free framing tape. Do not use standard sticky tape, blu tack or masking tape as they may leave marks and damage the print with high acidity levels.