Most prints spend some time stored before they’re framed or hung. How they’re kept during that period makes a difference — not immediately, but over time.
Paper is stable, but not indifferent to its environment. Pressure, humidity, and repeated handling all leave traces.
Flat storage
The safest option. Storing prints flat, between two clean, rigid surfaces, prevents bending and keeps the paper relaxed. A drawer, a portfolio, or even a simple cardboard folder works well as long as the surface is clean and dry.
Avoid stacking too many prints directly on top of each other without protection. Friction and uneven pressure can mark the surface over time.
Rolled storage
Sometimes unavoidable, especially for larger formats. If you store a print rolled, keep the diameter as wide as possible — tight rolls create stronger memory in the paper.
Use a protective sheet, like tissue paper, between the print and the outer layer. Store the tube horizontally rather than upright, to avoid the weight of the paper settling unevenly.
Humidity and light
Paper reacts to moisture. Too much humidity can cause warping; too little can make it more brittle. A dry, stable room is ideal.
Avoid storing prints in direct sunlight. Even when rolled or covered, prolonged exposure to light can affect the paper and the ink over time.
Handling
Frequent handling is often what causes the most damage. Oils from hands, small bends when moving a print — these marks accumulate.
If you need to handle a print, do it gently and as little as possible. Supporting it fully rather than holding it by the edges helps prevent stress on the paper.
Before framing
A print that has been stored well will be easier to work with when it’s time to frame it. It will lie flatter, respond better to mounting, and keep its original surface.
Good storage isn’t complicated. It’s mostly about avoiding small, repeated damage that adds up over time.
— Studio Ninette, designed in Belgium.