How to Store and Frame Antique Prints and Drawings

Works on paper include prints, watercolours, drawings, maps and manuscripts. Paper is easily creased, stained and torn, while light damage and acidic framing materials can cause permanent change.

Handle with support

Work on a clean, dry table without food, drink, pens or jewellery nearby. Support the entire sheet on a rigid archival board rather than lifting by corners. Do not touch pastel, charcoal or painted surfaces.

Limit light

Direct sun and bright display cause fading and paper degradation. Use blinds, low display levels and periods of dark storage. UV-filtering glazing reduces part of the risk but does not make unlimited display safe.

The [Canadian Conservation Institute](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/care-objects/paper-books/basic-care-art-paper.html) emphasises that light damage cannot be reversed and that sensitive media include watercolour, coloured inks and iron-gall ink.

Use conservation-quality materials

A window mat keeps glazing away from the image. Use acid-free, conservation-quality mount and backing boards and suitable paper hinges installed with reversible conservation adhesive. Never use pressure-sensitive tape, spray adhesive or dry-mount tissue on an important work.

Choose glazing carefully

Glass and acrylic both have advantages. Acrylic is lighter and less likely to shatter, but static can disturb loose pastel or charcoal. These friable works need specialist framing and should not touch plastic glazing.

Store flat

Place matted or foldered works flat in archival boxes or shallow drawers. Interleave stable items with acid-free tissue and avoid overfilling. Keep boxes above floor level and away from pipes, exterior walls, attics and basements.

Preserve old frames and labels

Historic frames, mounts and backing labels can carry evidence even when materials are unsuitable. Photograph everything and consult a paper conservator before dismantling significant assemblies.

Avoid home cleaning

Erasers, bread, water, bleach and flattening under heavy objects can remove media, create tidelines or drive dirt into fibres. Mould requires professional help because it also presents a health risk.

For practical restoration demonstrations and workshop stories, [watch and subscribe to Antique Repair Shop on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@AntiqueRepairShop).

Sources and further reading

[Canadian Conservation Institute: Basic care of works of art on paper](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/care-objects/paper-books/basic-care-art-paper.html)
[Canadian Conservation Institute: Storing works on paper](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/storing-works-paper.html)
[Canadian Conservation Institute: Framing works of art on paper](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/framing-works-art-paper.html)