Premium Tube Map Care Guide

How to Care for Your Art Print

Thank you for choosing a Mike Bell Maps Giclee Print. To ensure your artwork remains as vibrant as the day it was printed for the next century, please follow these professional handling guidelines:

1. The "Clean Hands" Rule - Giclee prints are created with archival pigment inks that sit on the surface of the 230 gsm paper. Natural skin oils can transfer to the ink. We recommend washing and drying your hands thoroughly before handling or wearing white cotton "archival" gloves if available.

2. Avoid the "Roll-Back" - If your print arrived in a tube, let it flatten naturally. Lay it on a clean, flat surface and place a few heavy, smooth objects (like books) on the corners. Never roll the print tightly in the opposite direction, as this can "stress" the heavy paper fibres and cause creasing.

3. Framing is Protection - To ensure the 100+ year lightfastness guarantee, we recommend framing your print behind UV-protective glass or acrylic. Always use acid-free mounting materials (like the mounts provided in our framed options) to prevent "paper burn" or yellowing over time.

4. Location Matters - While our inks are gallery-standard, prolonged exposure to direct, harsh sunlight can eventually affect any pigment. For maximum longevity, hang your map in a location that avoids consistent direct afternoon sun and high-humidity environments (like bathrooms).

5. Dusting - If your print is unframed, never use water or cleaning sprays. A soft, dry microfiber cloth or a clean squirrel-hair brush is all that is needed to remove surface dust.