fine art photographic prints
c-type prints
digital c-type or chromagenic prints are prints produced with light using digital technology, rather than darkroom techniques. light sensitive paper is exposed using lasers or led's controlled from a computer rather than using a negative under an enlarger with light from a bulb. the paper is then chemically processed.
giclée prints
giclée prints are produced using a digital printing process that combines pigment inks with archival quality paper. the inks are sprayed on the paper to create an inkjet print typically with a wide tonal and colour range. giclée prints are known for longevity.
care for your prints
prints should be treated with care. dirt, dust, moisture, oils, adhesives, solvents, heat, and anything that could scratch, dent or crease the paper should be avoided when you are handling your print. you might prefer therefore to take your print directly to a professional framer, in its packaging.
the print’s paper will be damaged by prolonged contact with non-archival materials. mats and mounts, folders, and storage boxes should be acid-free. store unframed prints in flat files or boxes specifically designed for storing works of art or documents and in a cool and dry environment away from sunlight.
prints may either be supplied to you rolled in a tube or in flat cardboard packaging. cardboard packaging is not suitable for long-time storage as it is not acid free and archival.
please do not roll your print the other way, scrape its back over the edge of a table or use an iron, steam, or moisture to flatten it. prints are best left to flatten, print side up and protected in archival plastic, by glassine sheets or acid free tissue, on a clean dry surface with their edges gently weighted down and without creasing. use two hands to support an unrolled print so that it will not bend. Any crease in the print is likely to be permanent. please keep your new print covered until it is framed to avoid damage.
handle paper prints as gently as possible, ideally wearing cotton gloves, to minimize abrasion with and transfer of oils from your skin. avoid contact with water, hard objects, dirt, dust, moisture, oils, adhesives, solvents or heat, which can scratch, mark or otherwise damage the surface of your print. use a photographers’ blower brush rather than your hands or your breath to blow off any dust as this can also damage the print surface. do not touch the printed surface with your hands/fingers and avoid any action or any thing that rubs the print surface. do not fold or crease the surface.
prints should be framed with an archival quality mat that prevents the glass/acrylic from coming into direct contact with the surface of the paper. uv protective glass or acrylic will help protect your prints from the effects of sunlight.
hang framed prints out of direct sunlight.