Digital Prints

Storing and Shipping Prints
After prints are finished, you have to store and sometimes ship them.
Storing Prints
If you’re not selling, giving away, or displaying your prints, then you’ll be storing them.
Storage enclosures can take several forms, but they have the same goal: to provide your prints
protection from light, dust, and physical abuse, plus to reduce the effects of high humidity
and atmospheric contaminants. Here are some options and things to keep in mind:
Protective Sleeves: Clear sleeves or bags are great for storing just about any type of digital
print, whether used for presentation, general protection, or final delivery. Bags are available
in all sizes from such companies as inkjetART.com, digitalartsupplies.com, Lineco,
and clearbags.com (Impact Images).
One of the most popular types has a fold-over flap with a resticking, self-adhesive strip
(ask for the strip on the bag, not the flap—see Figure 9.11). Don’t use regular envelopes
or sleeves that contain acid or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for this purpose, and never use
rubber bands, paper clips, or pressure-sensitive tapes.
Archive Boxes: Archive or museum storage boxes are great for storing lots of prints, and
they can also double as inexpensive portfolio boxes. Make sure they are constructed with
acid-free and buffered materials, and interleave your prints with glassine or other acid-free
tissue or sheeting. Metal corners add strength for stacking. Companies like Lineco,
EternaStor, and Light Impressions carry these products.
Chapter 9 ■ Finishing and Displaying Your Prints 301
John Toles of Dragonfly Imaging and
Printing in Toronto, Canada, stretches
a canvas print.
Courtesy of John Toles
www.dragonflyprinting.com