The ART PRINTS thread - official giclees, lithographs, scrennprints, canvas, etc.

[defiler]

Thanks, UltraPro I think is who makes all the sleeves from my card collecting days.

The ones in the link will definitely work for my lithographs, but I'm not sure on my good prints (Cook & Becker giclees). Maybe I'm overly concerned, but when it doesnt specifically state "acid-free" or "archival-grade" I worry about the sleeve damaging the print over the years. I do keep them in either my firesafe (in the tubes) or under my guest room bed, so no light hits them either way.

As for size, the 24x36 is the entire size. I had to do an Excel file to list all my prints and have a column with the border add-on for each So if I did use them for my good prints, all but 2 would fit that 29x43.

[treegate]

Originally Posted by defiler

Thanks, UltraPro I think is who makes all the sleeves from my card collecting days.

The ones in the link will definitely work for my lithographs, but I'm not sure on my good prints (Cook & Becker giclees). Maybe I'm overly concerned, but when it doesnt specifically state "acid-free" or "archival-grade" I worry about the sleeve damaging the print over the years. I do keep them in either my firesafe (in the tubes) or under my guest room bed, so no light hits them either way.

As for size, the 24x36 is the entire size. I had to do an Excel file to list all my prints and have a column with the border add-on for each So if I did use them for my good prints, all but 2 would fit that 29x43.

You also can check out a site called Bags Unlimited and they may have something archival and acid-free that will work better. The Ultra-Pro and BCW ones are a thicker gauge PVC plastic and are clear, again I prefer the Ultra-Pro ones. Bags Unlimited may have something acid-free but may not be sturdy and more flimsy to the touch.

Tubes work for storage but remember cardboard is acidic and I don't recommend long term storage in them unless you change them out to different tubes. It takes a while for the cardboard to break down though. Its kind of like when you have something nice professionally framed, you always want to go with an acid-free backing and acid-free matte board if you were to put a matte around a print. Non-acid free materials when it comes to framing will stain the print yellow over time.

[defiler]

Thanks, checked out Bags Unlimited but it doesnt appear they have anything over 16x20. I might call and ask as it looks like they can custom run some of the archival holders.

For the tubes, I have glassine in between the print and cardboard to protect them for the time being. So hopefully will be good until I frame everything.

I agree on the framing - that's why a good frame job with acid free backer/board/matter and Museum glass runs over $500... which is what I do with my good prints. But can only afford to get one a year done

[treegate]

Originally Posted by defiler

Thanks, checked out Bags Unlimited but it doesnt appear they have anything over 16x20. I might call and ask as it looks like they can custom run some of the archival holders.

For the tubes, I have glassine in between the print and cardboard to protect them for the time being. So hopefully will be good until I frame everything.

I agree on the framing - that's why a good frame job with acid free backer/board/matter and Museum glass runs over $500... which is what I do with my good prints. But can only afford to get one a year done

Sounds like you are on top of your game, just always remind the framer when you have something done to NOT dry mount the poster/print. Its a permanent process that will devalue the item. Never assume a framer won't do it, as they will sometimes do it without even asking so always tell them you want it loose between the glass (or plexi-glass) and the backing of the frame.

[defiler]

Originally Posted by treegate

Sounds like you are on top of your game, just always remind the framer when you have something done to NOT dry mount the poster/print. Its a permanent process that will devalue the item. Never assume a framer won't do it, as they will sometimes do it without even asking so always tell them you want it loose between the glass (or plexi-glass) and the backing of the frame.

Yep, my wife used to do custom framing at a shop back in high school so I got quite a bit of firsthand experience on it

Thanks for the reminder on the dry-mounting - I actually think a few of my very first prints are done that way. My new ones are not; I had to have the framer correct the frame job on one of my Dishonored ones, and watched them remove the print. Either way it doesn't bother me; I frame them just to keep the prints protected and to display; I will never sell them so not worried about the value.

This thread reminded me... I usually replace the glassine annually for the prints that are still stored in the tubes. Should probably go change that now. :O