Caring for Your Hahnemühle Photo Rag Metallic Print
This artwork is printed on 340 gsm Hahnemühle Photo Rag Metallic paper. Made from 100% cotton, it features a beautiful, silvery-shimmering finish that catches and reflects light dynamically, giving the piece a truly unique glow.
Here are a few simple suggestions to help you handle and frame your new piece:
Unpacking & Handling
- Handling the paper The special metallic finish can sometimes pick up natural oils from your hands or show fingerprints. To keep the image pristine, it's best to lift and hold the print by the unprinted white borders.
- Keep it clean If you have clean cotton gloves handy, feel free to use them! If not, just make sure your hands are clean and dry before unpacking.
Flattening the Print
Because this paper is quite thick and features a specialized metallic coating, it will naturally want to stay curled after traveling in its shipping tube. It just needs a little time to relax before framing.
- Unroll Gently unroll the print onto a clean, flat surface.
- Protect Keep the included tissue paper draped over the artwork to keep dust off.
- Weight it down Place clean, flat, heavy objects (like large books) on the corners to gently press the paper flat.
- Let it rest Leave it to settle for a day or two. Don't worry if the paper feels a bit stiff or stubborn at first—the metallic surface makes it more rigid, but it will flatten out beautifully once properly mounted by your framer.
Framing Recommendations
For collectors opting to frame the work themselves, we recommend a professional float mount to maintain the work’s intended presence. To reproduce the atelier’s signature look, instruct your framer as follows:
- Mounting Float the print on an acid-free backing board to leave the mould-made edges visible.
- Frame Profile Request a discrete wood profile with a 15 mm (0.6 in) face and a 30 mm (1.2 in) depth.
- Glass Specify reflex-reducing museum glass with UV protection to preserve the pigment integrity over time.
- Materials Ensure all mounting tapes and adhesives are strictly acid-free (syrafria).
Environment & Longevity
While the paper is ISO 9706 compliant for age resistance, the work should be placed in a stable environment. Avoid areas of high humidity or direct, prolonged exposure to high-intensity UV light. Do not place the work directly above active heat sources such as radiators or fireplaces.
General Care
Keep it dry: Avoid using liquids, damp cloths, or cleaning sprays near the unglassed print, as moisture and heavy friction can leave marks on the metallic finish.
Dusting: If the print needs a quick dusting before it goes into the frame, a very light sweep with a soft, clean brush will do the trick perfectly.Unpacking & Surface Safety
- Edge Sensitivity Because the work has little handling border, the edges are part of the composition. Handle with care to avoid crimping or marking the corners.
- Glove Use We strongly recommend wearing lint-free cotton gloves during any handling. The surface of the paper is highly sensitive to the natural oils and moisture from fingertips.
- Surface Contact Avoid sliding the print against any surface. The structure can be prone to scuffing if moved across a rough plane.
