Care guide
How to frame and care for a fine art photograph
A well-framed, well-kept fine art photograph lasts over 100 years without fading. The three keys: UV-protective, anti-reflective glass, acid-free materials that never touch the image, and keeping it away from direct sun and humidity.
How to frame it, step by step
1. Choose glass with UV protection
Sunlight and artificial light fade any print over time. Glass (or acrylic) with a UV filter blocks that radiation and is the most important investment in the frame. If it's also anti-reflective, you'll see the image cleanly from any angle.
2. Use an acid-free mat (passe-partout)
The mat is the cardboard border between the image and the frame. It does two jobs: it separates the work from the glass (so they don't stick together with humidity) and it gives visual breathing room — that gallery look. Ask for museum quality and acid-free, so it never yellows the paper over the years.
3. The image should never touch the glass
Direct contact between glass and paper can leave marks or make them stick as humidity changes. The mat or an internal spacer keeps that safety gap.
4. Mount without harsh adhesives
The work should be held with acid-free corners or mounting strips, never with regular tape or glue on the image. That way you can take it apart in the future without damage.
Which frame by material
| Work material | Frame recommendation |
|---|---|
| Cotton paper | Frame with mat and UV anti-reflective glass |
| Pearl paper | Frame with glass; the sheen shows with no mat or a thin one |
| Canvas | No glass; stretcher bar or floating frame |
Unsure about your material? Read the guide on cotton paper, canvas or pearl.
How to care for it at home
- Away from direct sun. Avoid walls that get hours of full sun, even with UV glass.
- Stable humidity. Don't hang it in unventilated bathrooms or next to steam. A dry, stable environment is ideal.
- No direct heat. Avoid hanging it right above radiators or fireplaces.
- Clean hands or gloves. When handling an unframed work, hold it by the edges; fingerprints and skin oils mark the paper.
- Gentle cleaning. Clean only the glass, with a dry or barely damp microfibre cloth — never products directly on the image.
A good work deserves a good frame. The frame isn't an extra cost: it's what protects your investment for decades.
Frame it yourself or at a shop?
For small and medium sizes, a quality frame with UV glass and an acid-free mat is enough, and you'll find it at framing shops. For large formats or limited editions you want to keep as an investment, custom professional framing is worth it.
Frequently asked questions
What glass is best for a fine art photograph?
Glass or acrylic with a UV filter and an anti-reflective finish. The UV filter prevents fading and the anti-reflective coating lets you see the image cleanly from any angle.
Does canvas need glass?
No. Canvas is presented stretched on a bar or in a floating frame, without glass. Just dust it occasionally with a dry, soft cloth.
Why shouldn't the glass touch the image?
Because as humidity changes, the paper can stick or mark against the glass. The mat keeps a safety gap between the two.
How long does a well-kept fine art photograph last?
Printed on archival materials and protected from direct sun and humidity, a fine art work keeps its colour for over 100 years.