Your Guide to Ordering, Framing, and Caring for Your Giclée Print
Your new giclée print is more than a purchase; it’s a lasting piece of art. Whether it captures the whimsical line of an illustration print, the vibrant history of casino art illustration, or the iconic charm of Quentin Blake, this guide provides the essential knowledge to ensure it remains pristine for years to come. From the moment you click ‘order’ to the day you hang it on your wall, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Placing Your Order: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Ordering your fine art print from our curated collection is designed to be a seamless and secure experience. Our focus on specialised fields like casino art illustration and slot machine art history means each print is reproduced with the care its subject deserves. Here’s how to bring a piece of this unique world into your home.
Choosing Your Artwork & Paper Options
Begin by exploring our galleries, from the celebratory ’90 candles Quentin Blake’ collection to the intriguing narratives of casino design. Once you’ve selected your artwork, you’ll choose your paper. We exclusively use museum-grade, acid-free papers such as the renowned Hahnemühle archival range, selected for their exceptional texture and longevity, ensuring the intricate details of every illustration print are honoured.
Selecting the Perfect Size
Each print is offered in a range of sizes to suit different spaces and preferences. Consider the wall space you have in mind and whether you envision a bold statement piece or a subtle accent. Our product pages include detailed dimension visualisations to help you make the perfect choice for your interior.
Completing Your Secure Checkout
When you’re ready, our checkout process is straightforward and protected. We use Stripe for secure payment processing, ensuring your transaction is encrypted and safe. After payment, your order is carefully packaged and dispatched via Royal Mail for reliable delivery across the UK. You’ll receive tracking information so you can follow your print’s journey to your door.
Understanding Giclée Printing & Archival Quality
The term ‘giclée’ (pronounced zhee-klay) is often used, but true quality lies in the specifics. For art that endures, the combination of pigment inks, archival substrates, and rigorous printing standards is non-negotiable, especially for collectible works.
The Giclée Difference: Pigment vs. Dye
Unlike standard prints that use dye-based inks, genuine giclée prints are produced with high-density pigment inks. These microscopic, stable particles sit on the surface of the paper rather than being absorbed, resulting in:
- Richer, more saturated colours with a wider gamut.
- Superior detail and smoother tonal gradients.
- Dramatically improved resistance to fading and environmental damage.
Why Archival Paper Matters
Archival paper is acid-free and often cotton or rag-based. This prevents the yellowing and brittleness that affords standard papers over time. Papers like Hahnemühle or Canson are industry benchmarks, providing a stable, pure foundation that, when combined with pigment inks, can have a lifespan exceeding 100 years under the right conditions.
Ensuring Lightfastness and Fade Resistance
Lightfastness refers to an ink’s resistance to fading when exposed to light. Our printing process uses inks with the highest lightfast ratings, often certified to last for generations without significant colour shift. This is crucial for preserving the vibrant allure of vintage casino art illustration or the subtle hues in a detailed scene of slot machine art history.
Framing Your Print: UK Services and DIY Tips
Framing is the final stage of presentation and a critical layer of protection. The right frame, mount, and glass will enhance your print’s beauty and safeguard your investment.
Professional Framing Services in the UK
For the ultimate finish, especially for valuable pieces, we recommend professional framing. In London, specialists like John Jones offer unparalleled expertise and craftsmanship. Alternatively, reputable online framing services in the UK provide excellent custom options, allowing you to choose frames, mounts, and glazing from home.
DIY Framing Essentials
If you prefer to frame it yourself, focus on quality components. Always use acid-free mounting tape to hinge your print to an acid-free mount board—never let the print touch the glass directly. Ensure the frame is deep enough to accommodate the backing board without putting pressure on the paper.
Selecting the Right Mount & Glazing
A museum-quality mount board prevents acid migration. For glazing, standard glass offers little protection from UV light. Instead, opt for UV-protective glazing from Tru Vue, which filters out over 99% of harmful ultraviolet rays, the primary cause of fading. This is an essential investment for any artwork displayed in a well-lit room.
Essential Care and Display for Lasting Beauty
With your print framed, proper care and considered display will ensure its longevity. A few simple practices can make all the difference.
Safe Handling and Unpacking
Always handle your print or framed artwork with clean, dry hands. If unframed, hold it by the edges. When unpacking a framed piece, do so on a soft, clean surface to avoid scratches.
Ideal Display Conditions
Where you hang your art significantly impacts its lifespan. Avoid these environmental hazards:
- Direct Sunlight: Even with UV glass, prolonged direct exposure should be avoided.
- High Humidity: Bathrooms and kitchens can cause paper to warp or promote mould.
- Heat Sources: Keep prints away from radiators, fireplaces, and air vents.
- Fluctuating Temperatures: A stable, cool, and dry environment is ideal.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Dust the frame regularly with a soft, dry cloth. For cleaning UV glass, use a mild glass cleaner sprayed onto a cloth first, not directly onto the frame, to prevent moisture seeping in. Never attempt to clean an unframed print with liquids or cloths; use a soft brush to gently remove surface dust if necessary.
By following these detailed steps—from our secure checkout with Stripe and Royal Mail delivery to selecting archival Hahnemühle paper, considering professional framing from specialists like John Jones, and protecting your art with Tru Vue glazing—you can confidently showcase and preserve your unique print. It will remain a vibrant and captivating piece of illustrated history in your collection for decades to come.