Art Print Display Ideas: Framing, Hanging and Protection

Quick answer

Display art prints by framing them with acid-free mats and UV-filtering glazing, hanging them away from direct sun and heat, and storing unframed prints flat in a clean, dry place. Most damage comes from light, moisture, and improper hanging, so address those first.

Match the display method to the print and the room

Before you hammer a nail, decide whether the print will be framed, mounted, or simply pinned. Framing offers the most protection, especially for prints you want to keep for years. For a casual, removable display, washi tape or clip strips work on lightweight prints but offer little defense against light and dust. In humid rooms like bathrooms, skip paper prints entirely or use a sealed frame with a moisture barrier.

• Use a frame with a mat for prints larger than 8x10 inches to keep the art off the glass.
• For rentals or dorms, choose damage-free adhesive strips rated for the print's weight.
• Avoid hanging prints above radiators, stoves, or in constant direct sun.

Frame without trapping moisture or acids

The frame itself can damage a print if it presses the paper against glass or uses acidic backing. Choose acid-free mat board and backing, and leave a small gap between the art and the glazing. If you use glass, add a spacer or double mat. Acrylic glazing is lighter and safer for large prints, but it scratches more easily. Always handle prints with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves, and never trim the edges to fit a frame.

• Attach the print to the backing with archival hinging tape along the top edge only, so the paper can expand and contract.
• Avoid rubber bands, paper clips, or double-sided tape directly on the print.
• If the frame has a cardboard backing, replace it with acid-free foam board.

Hang prints so they stay put and stay straight

Hanging prints safely means using the right hardware for the wall and the print's weight. For drywall, use a stud finder or toggle bolts for frames heavier than 10 pounds. On plaster, use a drill and wall anchors to avoid cracking. Always use two hooks spaced a few inches apart for frames wider than 12 inches; this keeps the frame level and distributes weight. Add small rubber bumpers to the bottom corners to stop the frame from sliding.

• Measure from the top of the frame to the hanging wire, then mark the wall at that distance.
• Use a level to check the frame after hanging, and adjust the wire if needed.
• For very heavy frames, consider a French cleat or professional installation.

Protect prints from light, heat, and pests

Fading is cumulative and irreversible. UV-filtering glazing slows fading but does not stop it, so keep prints out of direct sun and rotate them if they are in bright rooms. Heat and humidity cause paper to buckle and mold; keep prints away from radiators, fireplaces, and damp walls. Insects and rodents can chew paper and mats, so store unframed prints in sealed bins with a silica gel pack in humid climates.

• Use curtains or UV film on windows in rooms with valuable prints.
• Avoid hanging prints on exterior walls that stay cold or damp.
• Check frames every few months for condensation or insect activity.

Store unframed prints flat and clean

If you need to store art prints flat, use a rigid portfolio or a clean, flat box lined with acid-free paper. Place a sheet of acid-free tissue between prints, and keep the stack in a cool, dry closet rather than a basement or attic. Never store prints rolled unless they are meant to be rolled; rolling can cause curling that is hard to reverse. If you must roll a print for shipping, use a wide tube and roll with the image facing out.

• Label the box with the date and contents so you can rotate prints.
• Keep the box off the floor to avoid water damage.
• Avoid stacking heavy objects on top of the box.

Diagnose your print display problem

• Print looks faded or washed out: Likely cause: UV light and heat. Corrective action: move the print away from direct sun, use UV-filtering glazing, and rotate prints in bright rooms. If fading has already occurred, it cannot be reversed; replace the print or accept the change.
• Paper is wavy or buckled inside the frame: Likely cause: humidity or tight framing. Corrective action: reframe with acid-free mat and backing, add a spacer, and keep the room between 40-60% relative humidity. If buckling persists, consider a professional conservator for valuable prints.
• Frame keeps sliding or falling: Likely cause: wrong hardware or too few hooks. Corrective action: use two hooks for wide frames, toggle bolts for heavy frames, and rubber bumpers to prevent sliding. If the wall is plaster or the frame is very heavy, hire a professional installer.
• Print stuck to glass: Likely cause: condensation or no mat. Corrective action: separate art from glazing with a mat or spacer, and avoid hanging in humid rooms. If the print is already stuck, do not pull it; consult a conservator.

Product facts

• Stay Awesome Anteater Sticker: Measures 4" x 2.5". Printed on durable vinyl. UV-protected and weather-resistant. A small, weather-resistant sticker can be displayed on laptops, water bottles, or skateboards without fading or peeling, making it a low-risk way to add art to everyday gear.
• Floral Feelings - Looking fo the Light Patch: 3" Round Iron-On Embroidered Patch (but we always recommend sewing it on for longevity.) Our patches iron on best to natural fibers, like cotton or denim, and will not adhere to synthetic fabrics. For fabric display, a patch offers a durable alternative to paper prints, but it needs the right fabric and attachment method to stay put.
• Thank You Watermelon Greeting Card: A2, 100#, 100% recycled white paper. Blank inside. Sealed plastic sleeve. A blank card can be framed or displayed as a small print, and the recycled paper is sensitive to moisture, so keep it dry and out of direct sun.