Learn how to care for your Jack Vettriano limited edition print. From framing and storage to protecting valuable silkscreens from cracking, our guide explains how collectors can preserve the condition and value of their artwork for years to come.
Investing in a limited edition art print is about more than owning a beautiful piece of artwork, it's about preserving its condition, value, and enjoyment for years to come. Whether you've purchased a signed Jack Vettriano print, an Artist's Proof, Studio Proof or another collectible edition, proper care is essential.
Having specialised in Jack Vettriano limited editions for many years, we've helped collectors preserve and frame hundreds of prints, from early silkscreens to later giclée editions
This guide explains how to protect your artwork from common causes of damage and ensure it remains in excellent condition for future generations.
Quick Care Checklist
- Keep artwork out of direct sunlight
- Maintain a stable room temperature
- Avoid areas with high humidity
- Use UV-protective glazing when framing
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
- Store unframed prints flat whenever possible
- Never use adhesive tape directly on artwork
- Keep artwork away from radiators, fireplaces, and damp walls
Why Proper Print Care Matters
Limited edition prints are produced on high-quality paper using inks designed to last for decades. However, even the finest materials can deteriorate if exposed to unsuitable conditions.
Poor storage, excessive sunlight, moisture, or improper framing can lead to fading, discolouration, paper distortion, and a reduction in the artwork's value.
For signed editions, maintaining condition is particularly important, as damage can significantly affect desirability within the secondary market.
If you're new to collecting, our guide explaining what a limited edition print is explains how these editions are produced and why condition is so important to long-term value.
How Sunlight Damages Art Prints
One of the greatest threats to any artwork is prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays gradually break down pigments and paper fibres, causing colours to fade and whites to yellow over time. Even indirect sunlight can contribute to deterioration if exposure is constant.
To minimise risk:
- Avoid hanging artwork opposite large windows
- Use UV-filtering glass or acrylic when framing
- Rotate artwork occasionally if displayed in sunlit areas
While modern giclée and archival printing methods offer excellent longevity, no print is completely immune to UV damage.
The Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Artwork
Art prints benefit from stable environmental conditions.
As a general guide:
- Temperature: 18°C to 24°C
- Relative Humidity: 40% to 55%
Rapid fluctuations can cause paper to expand and contract, potentially leading to warping or cockling.
Avoid displaying artwork in:
- Bathrooms
- Conservatories
- Attics
- Garages
- Kitchens with poor ventilation
These environments often experience significant changes in temperature and moisture levels.
Should You Store Prints Flat or Rolled?
Flat Storage (Strongly Recommended)
Unframed limited edition prints should always be stored flat whenever possible.
Flat storage helps:
- Prevent creasing and handling damage
- Maintain the artwork's condition
- Reduce stress on the paper
- Preserve collector value
- Make future framing easier
Rolled Storage
Rolling artwork can be acceptable for short-term transport or temporary storage, but it is not ideal for long-term preservation.
If storing rolled prints:
- Use an archival-quality tube
- Roll loosely rather than tightly
- Avoid excessive pressure
- Store horizontally in a dry environment
Important Collector Note: Silkscreen Prints
Many of Jack Vettriano’s earlier limited editions were produced using silkscreen (screen printing) techniques, where layers of ink sit more heavily on the surface of the paper compared to modern giclée prints.
Because of this surface ink structure, repeated rolling or long-term storage in tight tubes is not recommended. Over time, pressure from rolling can increase the risk of surface stress or micro-cracking in the printed ink layer.
For this reason, we strongly advise storing Vettriano silkscreen prints flat wherever possible. In our experience, damage can occur very quickly when these works are rolled, particularly in areas where the ink layer is thicker. We have seen cases where surface cracking has developed during or immediately after the rolling process, even before the print has been fully placed into a tube.
Because this type of damage cannot be repaired, flat storage remains the safest long-term approach for collectors.
In fact, when purchasing a previously owned Vettriano silkscreen, signs of cracking caused by incorrect storage should always form part of your inspection process. We discuss this in more detail in our guide to the five checks to make before buying a Vettriano limited edition.
What About Giclée Prints?
Modern giclée prints are generally more flexible than traditional silkscreens and can sometimes be rolled for short-term transport if necessary. However, even with giclées, long-term flat storage remains the preferred option for collectors seeking to preserve condition and value.
How to Frame a Limited Edition Print Properly
Professional framing is one of the most important steps in protecting a limited edition print. The right framing not only enhances the appearance of the artwork but also helps preserve its condition and long-term value.
Jack Vettriano's Preferred Framing Style
Jack Vettriano selected a specific framing style for many of his published limited editions. These frames became closely associated with his work and are instantly recognisable to many collectors.
All works supplied framed by us are in this frame style.
Conservation-Quality Framing
Having handled and framed hundreds of Jack Vettriano limited editions over the years, we've seen first-hand the damage that can be caused by poor-quality framing materials, acidic mounts, non-UV protective glass, and unsuitable storage conditions. In many cases, these issues could have been avoided by using conservation-quality framing from the outset.
Whether a print is newly framed or an original publisher-framed edition, the framing materials used are critical to its preservation.
A quality framing package should include:
- Acid-Free Mounting Materials
Acid-free mounts and backing boards help prevent paper discolouration and deterioration over time.
- UV-Protective Glazing
UV-protective glass or acrylic helps reduce the damaging effects of sunlight while maintaining excellent clarity.
- Conservation Framing Techniques
Artwork should be mounted using conservation methods that protect the paper and allow the print to be safely removed in the future if necessary.
How We Frame Our Vettriano Prints
We offer most Jack Vettriano prints either mounted or fully framed, with all framing carried out in-house using conservation-quality materials and the frame style selected by Jack Vettriano.
Our framing process includes acid-free mounting materials and professional framing techniques designed to protect the artwork.
For glazing, we use UV-protective acrylic rather than glass. This provides excellent clarity and protection while being significantly lighter and far safer for transport and shipping, reducing the risk of breakage during handling and delivery.
The same conservation framing principles apply whether the artwork is a standard limited edition, an Artist's Proof, or a Studio Proof.
For collectors who choose a mounted-only option, the print is ready to be taken to a trusted local framer for completion. If selecting your own framer, we recommend requesting UV-protective glazing or acrylic and conservation-standard materials to ensure the artwork remains protected for years to come.
A well-framed print not only looks its best on the wall but also helps preserve its condition and value for future generations.
How to Clean a Framed Print
Artwork requires very little cleaning. To keep a framed print looking its best:
- Dust the frame regularly using a soft cloth
- Clean glazing carefully with a microfibre cloth
- Never spray cleaning products directly onto glass
- Avoid household cleaners coming into contact with the artwork itself
What If Dust Appears Inside the Frame?
Even a professionally framed print is not completely immune to dust. Over time, tiny particles can occasionally find their way inside a frame and become visible behind the glass. This is a normal part of displaying artwork and does not necessarily indicate a problem with the framing.
If you notice a small amount of dust inside the frame, it can usually be removed by a professional framer. However, we would not recommend attempting to dismantle the frame yourself, as this can increase the risk of damaging the artwork, mount, or glazing.
If dirt, staining, condensation, or mould appears inside the frame, seek professional advice as soon as possible. These issues may indicate a more significant environmental problem that should be addressed to protect the artwork.
Can a Damaged Print Be Restored?
Some forms of damage can be treated by professional paper conservators.
Common issues include:
- Foxing (brown spotting)
- Water staining
- Minor tears
- Surface dirt
- Acid burn from poor framing materials
However, restoration is not always possible, particularly where fading has occurred due to prolonged sunlight exposure.
Prevention is almost always more effective and less costly than restoration.
Protecting Your Investment
A limited edition print is both an artwork and a collectible asset. By controlling light exposure, maintaining stable environmental conditions, using conservation-quality framing, and handling artwork carefully, collectors can preserve both its beauty and value for many years.
Whether you're purchasing your first print or building a substantial collection, proper care is one of the most important steps in protecting your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sunlight damage a limited edition print?
Yes. Direct sunlight can cause fading, paper deterioration, and colour loss over time. UV-protective framing materials can significantly reduce this risk.
Should I keep my print in a tube?
No. Valuable prints are best stored flat whenever possible. This is particularly important for Jack Vettriano silkscreen editions, where rolling can increase the risk of surface cracking.
Can I store artwork in a loft or attic?
Generally no. Lofts often experience significant fluctuations in temperature and humidity that can damage paper-based artwork.
How often should I clean framed artwork?
Dusting the frame occasionally is usually sufficient. Artwork itself should rarely require cleaning.
Does framing increase the value of a print?
Professional conservation framing can help preserve condition, which supports long-term value. Poor-quality framing can have the opposite effect.
What is the biggest threat to paper-based artwork?
The most common causes of deterioration are sunlight, humidity, poor storage conditions, and low-quality framing materials.
Wondering what the image is at the top of the page? It is Jack Vettriano's Her Secret Life, find out more about it here.