The life expectancy of professional Giclée fine art and photographic prints.
When considering the stability and longevity of a fine art print, the printing process is just the beginning. The environment and the storage conditions of the artwork primarily dictate how long it will last.
Because we use top-of-the-range Epson SureColour printers with 10-colour pigment-based inks, combined with archival-grade papers from Hahnemühle and Canson, your Indigo Giclée prints are guaranteed against fading for 60 years. However, with the correct care, they can look as good as new for well over 100 years.
Paper is a natural material and is sensitive to its surroundings. It can be affected by changes in temperature, humidity, and exposure to bright light and airborne contaminants.
The Five Main Factors The five main factors that ultimately dictate how long your print will last are:
- Exposure to bright light sources (especially UV rays)
- Exposure to high heat sources
- Exposure to moisture and fluctuating humidity
- Atmospheric pollutants
- Storage and framing materials
How to Prolong the Life of Your Print Light, heat, and moisture are the main concerns, but there are more subtle factors to consider when storing or framing artwork. Certain adhesives can induce degradation over time, and sulphur compounds produced by materials like cheap rubber or wood can initiate fading.
- Storage: If you are storing prints before selling or exhibiting them, ensure they are kept in archival materials, such as acid-free cellophane sleeves or archival storage boxes made from conservation board. Avoid attics, basements, or storing boxes next to outside walls where temperature fluctuations and condensation are common.
- Handling: Always handle your fine art prints with care, ideally using cotton gloves to avoid transferring natural oils from your skin onto the paper.
- Display & Framing: The best way to conserve artwork for display is to use professional conservation framing. Putting the artwork behind glass protects it from the surrounding environment. When mounting, ensure you or your framer use acid-free, 100% cotton fibre mount boards. For maximum longevity, consider using UV-protective conservation clear glass, which drastically reduces the impact of bright light sources.