Fine Art Limited Edition Photographic Prints

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY METAL PRINT?

While all prints fade over time, metal prints are more durable, fade resistant and hold up very well in humid conditions and sunlight.

There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your artMARKet Print lasts even longer over the course of time:

• Wrap your print in bubble wrap when moving, storing or gifting.

• Take care to not drop the print. While aluminum is durable, dropping a print may cause it to become scarred, dented, or separated from the cleat. Like all art, metal prints are precious and should be handled with delicate care.

• Always avoid placing the metal print face down. Due to the infusion process, placing the print face down may cause the ink to shift and distort the image.

• Use a light dimmer or bounced natural lighting to display your metal print, rather than a spotlight or direct sun. While metal prints withstand sunlight and resist fading, using an indirect light source will extend the life of your print even further.

• Maintain some distance between your metal print and any other objects or picture frames you may have displayed. If the edges of your print are in constant contact with other items, especially hard surfaces, this will eventually wear out the protective surface of your Print.

• Don’t over clean. The best way to properly and safely clean an aluminum print is to use a small amount of streak-free cleaning solution and non-abrasive microfiber cloth. Wipe from the middle of the print towards the edges to ensure your metal print is free from dirt and streaks.

Cleaning Solutions:
Choose a cleaning solution that will refrain from damaging the color and/or metal.
Options include:
1. Water: while quick and easy in removing surface dirt from aluminum prints, it typically leaves streaks or smudges
2. Glass Cleaner: streak free glass cleaner removes both surface dirt and finger prints from metal prints
3. Rubbing Alcohol: using a very small amount of rubbing alcohol with a nonabrasive cleaning cloth will remove fingerprints from your aluminum print, and dry streak free.

• Do not use bleach or any heavy-duty cleaning solution, or a large amount of any solution as this could damage the surface of your Print.

Cleaning Cloth:
Choose a non-abrasive cloth that will not leave smudges on the print surface or dirt particles behind. Microfiber and lint free cloths are highly recommended. Always ensure the cloth itself is free of any particles before you begin wiping your Print.

• Avoid using hand towels, paper towels or tissue as they will leave streaks and lint particles. While metal prints are scratch resistant, steel wool and other abrasive cleaning tools will damage the surface of your metal print.

Cleaning Technique:
Clean once you’ve finished hanging your print to remove any fingerprints or smudges that may have occurred while mounting. To clean, lightly dip the non-abrasive cloth into your chosen cleaning solution. Alternatively, use a spray bottle to very lightly mist the metal print with the solution. Be advised, too much cleaning solution may cause streaks or surface damage.
With the non-abrasive cloth, carefully remove dirt and/or fingerprints by cleaning slowly from the center of the print outward towards the edges. This will aid in moving any dirt toward the edges of the print where it will be easier to remove.
If cleaning after the print has been mounted, take care to not dislodge the print from the wall while cleaning.
If you prefer to clean your print while dismounted from the wall, use non-abrasive cloths to handle the print when hanging to ensure it stays fingerprint and smudge free.
  
• Caring for your Metal Print is easy, simple and inexpensive. Follow the steps above to keep your artwork safe, clean and beautiful for many years to come.

back to top