Your "Artspiration" Has Arrived! A Guide to Unpacking and Handling Your New Art Print

The anticipation is over! Your new art print from This Art World has arrived, and we know you're excited to see it. Our prints are carefully packaged to ensure they reach you in perfect condition, sometimes rolled in a sturdy tube for optimal protection during transit.

Before you unroll your masterpiece or rip open the packaging, take a moment to read our guide on how to safely unpack, handle, and prepare your print for display. Proper handling is key to preserving the quality and longevity of your "Artspiration."

Step 1: Unpacking with Care

Whether your print arrives flat or rolled, patience is your best friend!

• For Rolled Prints (in a Tube):

1. Find a Clean, Flat Surface: Clear a large, clean table or floor space where you can work comfortably.

2. Locate the End Caps: Gently remove the plastic or metal end caps from the tube.

3. Slide, Don't Force: Carefully slide the rolled print out of the tube. Avoid shaking or forcing it, as this could damage the edges. If it's a tight fit, you might gently push from one end while pulling from the other.

4. Remove Protective Layers: Your print will likely be wrapped in a protective sheet (tissue paper or clear film). Gently unwrap this layer, being careful not to crease or tear the print itself.

• For Flat Prints (in a Mailer/Box):

1. Open Carefully: Use a box cutter or scissors to open the mailer or box, always cutting away from the print to avoid accidental scratches or cuts.

2. Slide Out: Gently slide the print and its protective backing out of the packaging.

3. Remove Protective Layers: Similar to rolled prints, carefully remove any tissue paper, plastic sleeves, or cardboard backing.

Step 2: Handling Your Art Print Like a Pro

Our museum quality art prints are produced with high-quality, archival inks and heavy weight papers designed for longevity. However, they are still delicate and require careful handling.

• Clean Hands are a Must: Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your print. Oils and dirt from your skin can transfer to the paper and cause marks or even damage over time. Consider wearing clean cotton gloves if you have them.

• Hold by the Edges: Whenever possible, hold the print by its very edges. Avoid touching the printed surface itself.

• Support the Whole Print: Especially for larger prints, support the entire piece to prevent creasing or bending. If you're moving it, carry it like a tray rather than letting it flop.

• Keep it Flat (Initially): Until you're ready to frame it, keep your print as flat as possible, ideally in its protective sleeve or between two pieces of clean, flat cardboard.

Step 3: Flattening Your Rolled Art Print

If your print arrived rolled in a tube, it will have a natural curl. It's important to flatten it before framing to ensure it sits perfectly in the frame and doesn't buckle.

Method 1: The "Weighted Books" Method (Recommended for Home Use)

This is the simplest and safest way to flatten your print at home:

1. Clean Surface: Find a large, completely clean, flat surface (a table or a clean section of the floor).

2. Unroll Face Up or Down? You can unroll the print with the image facing up or down. Some prefer face down to prevent the image from touching anything, but if facing up, you can gently guide it.

3. Start from the Center: Gently unroll the print. It will naturally want to curl back up.

4. Cover and Weigh Down: Once unrolled, place a clean, flat sheet of paper (like acid-free tissue paper or even clean butcher paper) over the entire print to protect the surface. Then, evenly distribute heavy, flat objects across the entire surface. Large books (textbooks, encyclopedias), sturdy cardboard, or even a heavy cutting board can work.

5. Be Patient: Leave the print under the weights for at least 24 to 48 hours, or even longer for very stubborn curls (up to a week). The longer you leave it, the flatter it will become.

6. Check Periodically: After 24 hours, carefully lift one corner to check its progress. If it's still curling significantly, replace the weights and leave it longer.

Method 2: Professional Flattening (For Best Results)

If you're planning to have your print professionally framed, you can often skip the home flattening step! Most professional framers have specialized equipment to safely unroll and flatten prints before mounting them. This is often the best option for very large or particularly valuable prints, ensuring a perfect, crease-free result. Simply bring your rolled print to them in its original tube.

Final Thoughts

Once your print is flat and ready, it's time to choose the perfect frame! Framing not only protects your artwork but also enhances its beauty and allows it to seamlessly integrate into your home decor.

Ready-Made Frames - If you need a new frame, consider our Ready-made frames with a face plate (no print supplied). Created from high quality wood with a specialist perspex glaze. Our Ready-made frames are delivered ready to hang - just add your print. Order HERE

We're thrilled you've chosen This Art World to bring "Artspiration" into your space. Enjoy your new piece!