Fine art paper is more temperamental than you’d think. As a biodegradable material, it must be handled and stored with care. Firstly, it is absorbent, so humid and moist environments can cause warping and lead to mould growth. Quality paper should be stored in a cool, dry place. Secondly, it should be kept out of direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can make it brittle. Paper is also fragile. Excessive touch can potentially stain the sheet and increase the risk of damage. The edges are particularly susceptible to scuffing and folding. We suggest keeping your paper in its packaging right up until use. When you eventually remove a sheet of paper, do so from the top.
Do I need to apply a coat of varnish?
Varnish is commonly applied to oil and acrylic paintings. Watercolour varnishes are available, though framing watercolour paintings behind glass is a more common practice. Varnish adds a barrier between the paint and any external factors such as dust and dirt. This protection also prevents scratching the surface of the painting and seals it from oxygen being absorbed which can cause cracking in the paint.
Storing your art
Once a piece of art is finished, it's best to store it in an archival art portfolio rather than in a pile. If the paper needs to be stacked, a sheet of glassine between the sheets will protect the painted surface from abrasion. Keeping your artwork on any medium out of direct sunlight is especially important, as some pigments tend to fade.
Presenting your art
If the work is likely to be exhibited, placing it behind glass will always provide a higher level of protection from dirt and moisture. Pastel, charcoal, and other soft, dry materials often benefit from being displayed behind glass, as the surface can be brittle, and often loose pigment is easily peeled off the surface. UV-resistant glass is helpful to reduce the fading of colour over time. Using non-reflective glass will also prevent unwieldy reflections. As always, a stand must be used to keep the glass from touching the work surface, because condensation and extreme temperature changes can cause the paper to wrinkle or stick to the glass. If you don't want the stand to be visible, it can be very narrow and hidden under the edge of the frame or you can use spacers. The floating mount of the work will allow you to see the work on the paper right up to the edges.
For more expert tips and tricks for artists, contact us and ask us any questions. We’re here to help you and your art.