The Collector’s Responsibility
Original charcoal drawings and fine art giclée prints are produced using premium archival materials designed to last for generations. However, because charcoal consists of loose, raw carbon pigments and giclée reproductions utilize delicate matte cotton rag fibers, they require specific handling to prevents smudging, moisture damage, or fading over time.
Essential Handling & Framing Guidelines
- Handling by the Boarders Only: Never touch the print or drawn surface face of the artwork. Always pick up the paper strictly by its white boarders or while wearing clean white cotton gloves.
- Keep in Studio Packaging: Leave your artwork sealed inside it’s protective acid-free cellophane sleeve and backing board until the exact moment it is handed to a professional framer.
- Frame Under Glass: Original charcoal and giclée prints must always be mounted and framed behind glass or high-grade acrylic. Ensure a mounting card (mat board) is used so the artwork face does not touch the glass directly.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight & Humidity: Hang your framed artwork away from areas with direct heat or high moisture (like bathrooms or kitchen) and out of intense, constant sunlight to preserve the deep monochrome blacks.
A Note for Your Framer
When taking your original charcoal piece or giclée print to a local framing shop, advice them to use museum-grade, acid-free backing materials and UV-protective glass. This guarantees that your Cutsforth Artistry heirloom will remain perfectly preserved and brilliant for a lifetime.