You've just invested in either an original piece of artwork or a limited edition giclée canvas print. Ensuring that your piece of artwork is properly hung in the most suitable environment will help you derive maximum enjoyment from the work over the longest period of time. Below some gentle words of wisdom are available on how best to protect your investment. If there is anything you would like to know that is not covered here, please don’t hesitate to contact Sophia Butler at Revolve Gallery on 07800 590 262 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Lighting

Works of art are vulnerable to light's adverse effects (UV, or ultra-violet, rays). Too much direct light can lead to changes in print texture or the paints texture and cause discoloration, so it is important to strike a balance between the benefits of light for viewing the work and its potential dangers.

Works of art should not be hung in direct sunlight or on the same walls as windows. If you have a particularly bright home, when going on vacation consider covering your art with fabric, taking it off the wall, or drawing the curtains while you’re away.

Artificial light can also be harmful, especially halogen lamps and direct spotlights. Lights near the top of the painting or print can heat the work and cause discoloration. Revolve Gallery recommends that artificial lights are kept at an absolute minimum distance of 12" / 30 cm from any printed or painted surface.

Heat

Intense heat can affect both the colour and texture of works of art, so make sure your print or painting is not displayed in close proximity to any heated surfaces such as radiators, or placed in direct sunlight.

Giclee

These are the following definitions and standards of giclée (zhee-clay) prints - as set by The Fine Art Trade Guild.

A giclée print is a piece of printed artwork or photograph produced by using a high quality digital inkjet printer.

The inks used are specially formulated and compatible with the extreme fineness of the printer head that directs minute droplets of ink at a resolution of 1440 dots per (linear) inch or more.

The paper or canvas is specially prepared to accept this type of printing mechanism and ink set. The printing media must be manufactured to fine art standards and acid free to ensure longevity.

The visual quality of giclée prints is extremely high. Continuous tones are printed without apparent dots, lines or barring. Colour saturation and definition can be stunning.