Caring for your posters: preserving the brilliance of your prints

A beautiful print on premium matte paper can keep its brilliance for years — provided you take a few simple precautions. Contrary to what you might think, maintaining a wall print doesn't require any special products or technical skills: just a few good habits to adopt from the moment it's hung. Here’s the complete guide to preserving your prints over time.

Reading time: 5 min

1. Protect your prints from direct light

Direct sunlight is the main enemy of prints: it fades colors over time, even on premium matte paper. UV rays gradually degrade pigments—a process that is invisible day-to-day but irreversible in the long term.

Good habits:

• Avoid hanging opposite a highly exposed window — lateral or diffused light is ideal. It highlights the print without damaging it.
• Opt for anti-UV glass framing — it filters radiation without altering colors and significantly extends the life of prints.
• In very bright rooms — prefer a wall perpendicular to the window rather than the wall opposite.

For more details on choosing a location: living room print guide, bedroom print guide.

2. Dust gently

Dust accumulates on prints just like on any other surface. Regular, gentle maintenance is enough to keep your prints vibrant.

• For an unframed poster — a soft, dry microfiber cloth is sufficient. Wipe lightly without pressing, using gentle circular motions. Never use a damp product or detergent on paper.
• For a framed print under glass — dust the glass with a slightly damp cloth, never the paper directly. Avoid alcohol-based products, which can leave streaks.
• Recommended frequency — once a month is sufficient for most interiors. More often in high-traffic areas.

3. Beware of humidity

Paper fears humidity: prolonged exposure can cause the print to warp, stain, or encourage mold growth. A few simple precautions are all it takes.

• Avoid very humid and poorly ventilated rooms — a bathroom without ventilation is risky for an unframed poster.
• In the bathroom — framing under glass is highly recommended. It creates a protective barrier between the paper and ambient humidity. Keep at least 80 cm distance from water splashes.
• In case of condensation — ventilate the room regularly and ensure the print does not touch a cold wall.

4. Handle by the edges

Before framing or during a move, handling is the riskiest time for a print. Fingerprints on matte paper are difficult to remove and can leave permanent marks.

• Clean, dry hands — always, before touching a print.
• Hold by the edges — never by the printed surface. Use both hands for large formats.
• Store flat — never folded, never rolled too tightly. If you need to store it, roll it loosely in its original tube.
• When transporting — slide it between two rigid cardboard pieces to avoid creases and impacts.

5. Framing is protection

Beyond aesthetics, the frame is the best investment for making a print last. It protects the print from dust, shocks, humidity, and UV rays—especially with anti-UV glass.

Our solid oak frame is designed to perfectly fit our print sizes. It arrives ready to hang, with the print already mounted—no risky handling for you. It’s also the ideal solution for exposed rooms: bathroom, entrance, office.

Hesitating between a poster and a framed version? Our guide helps you decide.

Discover our wall prints →

Mistakes to avoid

• Hanging opposite a sunny window — UV rays irreversibly fade prints.
• Using a damp cloth on the paper — water damages matte paper. Always dry for paper, only slightly damp for glass.
• Folding or rolling too tightly — creases on matte paper are permanent.
• Neglecting humidity — in an unventilated bathroom, an unframed poster degrades quickly.

FAQ

How to clean a wall print without damaging it?

Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth, moving in light circular motions without pressing. Never use a damp product or detergent directly on the paper. For a framed print under glass, the glass can be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth.

Can you hang a print in a bathroom?

Yes, provided you choose the framed version to protect the paper from humidity, and maintain at least 80 cm distance from water splashes. Ventilate the room regularly.

How long does a wall print last?

Our premium matte paper prints are designed to last for years without visible loss of quality—provided direct UV exposure and excessive humidity are avoided. Anti-UV glass framing further extends their lifespan.

Should you frame your prints to protect them?

It's not mandatory in normal rooms, but it is highly recommended in areas exposed to humidity or direct light. Our solid oak frame is the most comprehensive solution to protect and enhance your prints.