When it comes to storing your finished linocut prints, there’s quite a bit more to consider than simply stashing them away in a drawer or closet. These artworks represent a level of care, skill, and creativity that deserves appropriate preservation. Whether they’re for commercial sale, display, or personal collection, knowing how to store linocut prints safely and effectively can help maintain their quality and longevity.
The first key aspect to remember when storing completed linocut prints is the environment in which they are kept. High-quality artworks are delicate, and their condition can be negatively impacted by various environmental factors.
Humidity and Temperature Considerations
Changes in humidity and temperature can lead to detrimental effects on your linocut prints. Too high humidity can encourage the growth of mold and mildew, while too low can cause the paper to become brittle. Therefore, it’s crucial to store your prints in a safe place where these environmental elements can be controlled.
A storage environment with relative humidity (RH) around 30% to 50%, and an optimal temperature of 68°F (20°C) is recommended to prevent damage from expansion, contraction, or microbial growth. It is also essential to avoid drastic fluctuations in both humidity and temperature.
Consider investing in a hygrometer to monitor the humidity level of your storage area. Climate-controlled galleries, vaults, or rooms are certainly ideal, but not always available to many artists or collectors. However, regularly monitoring and controlling temperature and humidity levels within your storage area can help protect and maintain the quality of your linocut prints over time.
Light and Air Quality
Exposure to light, both natural and artificial, can lead to the fading and discoloration of linocut prints over time. Ultraviolet (UV) light, in particular, is especially damaging. Although it’s impossible to completely eliminate light exposure, one can take steps to minimize its effects.
To protect your linocut prints from light damage, store them in dark environments or those with low-level lighting. If you must store them in an area with windows, use light-blocking curtains or shades.
As for air quality, pollutants such as dust, smoke, or fumes can degrade the quality of linocut prints. Therefore, the choice of storage location should be a clean and well-ventilated space that is free from these damaging particles.
Physical Protection
The physical handling and storage of linocut prints can also influence their longevity. After prints are dried properly, they should be carefully handled to avoid smudges or transfers of oil from hands. It’s advisable to use clean, white cotton gloves when handling the prints.
As for storage, there are two primary methods: flat or rolled. Flattening prints requires the use of acid-free storage boxes or portfolios. Interleave prints with acid-free tissue to prevent them from sticking together and reduce potential abrasion. Acid-free cardboard or foam boards can also be used for rigid support.
If prints are too large or the storage space is limited, rolling prints is an alternative option. However, it’s important to note that there is a higher risk associated with this method as it can lead to the print cracking or getting creased. If you must roll your prints, use acid-free paper to interleave and acid-free tubes for storage.
Storage Unit and Material Considerations
The type of storage unit used and its material composition can play a huge role in the preservation of linocut prints. Units should be robust, secure, and capable of maintaining a stable environment. They should also be made of materials that will not contribute to the deterioration of the prints.
Steer clear from storage materials that contain harmful substances such as acids or lignin which could induce staining or yellowing of prints over time. Always opt for acid-free, lignin-free, and archival-quality materials for the preservation of your art.
In conclusion, storing linocut prints requires careful consideration of several factors such as the environment, handling and storage methods, and storage unit and material characteristics. Following these safety tips and tricks can ensure the preservation and longevity of your linocut prints and let you enjoy the beauty of your artwork for a longer time.
