Decorating your home or office with stunning wall art is a fantastic way to add personality, inspiration, and style to any space. At Oh Posters, we offer a wide range of high-quality posters, canvases, and other wall decor that can truly transform a room. But once you've found the perfect piece and had it professionally framed, how do you ensure it stays looking its best for years to come?
In this blog post, we'll share our top tips for caring for your framed posters so they maintain their vibrant colors, sharp details, and pristine condition. Whether you've just hung a new piece or you're looking to revive an older framed poster, these simple steps will help you keep your wall art looking gallery-worthy.
Proper Framing is Key
The first step in preserving your framed posters is to ensure they are framed correctly from the start. At Oh Posters, we work with experienced framers who use archival-quality materials and techniques to protect your artwork.
When framing a poster, it's important to use acid-free matting and backing to prevent discoloration and deterioration over time. The frame itself should also be made of high-quality wood or metal that won't warp or corrode. And the glass or acrylic covering should be UV-resistant to block harmful rays that can fade the colors.
If you've purchased a pre-framed poster from us, you can rest assured these best practices have been followed. But if you've framed a poster yourself or had it done elsewhere, be sure to inspect the materials and construction to ensure proper preservation.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
One of the biggest enemies of framed posters is direct sunlight. UV rays from the sun can cause the colors in your artwork to fade and the paper to become brittle over time. That's why it's crucial to hang your framed posters in areas of your home or office that don't receive a lot of direct sunlight.
If possible, choose a spot that's out of direct sunlight, such as a wall that faces north or east. You can also use curtains, blinds, or shades to filter the light and protect your posters. And be sure to rotate the position of your framed art periodically to ensure even exposure.
Keep Humidity and Temperature Stable
In addition to sunlight, fluctuations in humidity and temperature can also take a toll on framed posters. Extreme heat, cold, or moisture can cause the paper to warp, buckle, or develop mold and mildew.
To maintain the best conditions for your framed art, aim to keep the temperature and humidity levels in the room relatively stable. Avoid placing posters near heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, or direct air vents. And steer clear of damp areas like bathrooms or basements.
If you live in a particularly humid or dry climate, you may want to consider using a dehumidifier or humidifier to maintain optimal conditions. You can also use silica gel packs inside the frame to absorb excess moisture.
Clean Gently and Regularly
Over time, dust, dirt, and fingerprints can accumulate on the surface of your framed posters, detracting from their appearance. To keep them looking their best, it's important to clean them regularly using the right techniques.
Start by gently dusting the frame and glass or acrylic with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid using paper towels or tissues, which can scratch the surface. If there are any stubborn smudges or marks, you can lightly dampen the cloth with distilled water and wipe them away.
Be very careful not to press too hard or rub the surface, as this can damage the poster itself. And never use harsh chemicals, cleaners, or abrasives, as these can also harm the artwork.
For a more thorough cleaning, you can use a professional glass or acrylic cleaner, but be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first. And always spray the cleaner onto the cloth, not directly onto the frame or glass.
Handle with Care
Finally, it's important to be mindful of how you handle your framed posters, both when hanging them and when moving them around. Improper handling can lead to creases, tears, or other damage.
When hanging a framed poster, always support the entire frame, not just the top or sides. Use a level to ensure it's straight, and make sure the hardware is securely attached to the wall. Avoid placing heavy frames on thin or fragile walls.
If you need to move a framed poster, lift it from the bottom, supporting the entire frame. Never grab it by the top or sides, as this can cause the poster to sag or the frame to become misaligned.
And when storing framed posters, be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. You can also wrap them in acid-free tissue paper or place them in archival-quality boxes to provide extra protection.
By following these simple care tips, you can help ensure your framed posters from Oh Posters maintain their vibrant colors, sharp details, and pristine condition for years to come. With a little bit of attention and effort, your wall art will continue to inspire and delight for generations.
So go ahead and decorate your space with the stunning, eco-friendly posters, canvases, and other wall decor from Oh Posters. And rest assured that with proper care, your new favorite pieces will stay looking their best for a lifetime.
