Scott Shots Photography · Gallery Resource
By Scott Thompson | Truckee Tahoe Photos
Every print you take home from our gallery or order online is built to last — but how long it stays vivid depends a lot on how it's cared for. Here's a complete guide for every print type we offer, so your investment looks exactly the way it did on day one, for years to come.
Universal Guidelines
| Limit direct sunlight UV exposure is the primary cause of fading, even on UV-resistant surfaces. Display on walls away from south-facing windows, or use UV-filtering glass when framing. | Maintain stable conditions Extreme swings in temperature or humidity can cause warping, bubbling, and material stress. Interior walls in climate-controlled rooms are ideal. |
| Handle with clean, dry hands Natural skin oils and moisture are among the most common causes of surface damage — particularly on uncoated fine art and photographic prints. | Store flat or hang promptly Unframed prints left leaning against uneven surfaces for extended periods can take on a permanent curve. Store flat whenever possible, or hang right away. |
Our metal prints are produced by infusing dye directly into a specially coated aluminum surface. The result is a non-porous, hard finish that handles everyday life exceptionally well — including kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic spaces. These are among the most resilient prints we offer, and one of my personal favorites for the way they make Tahoe's blues and greens come alive.
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Cleaning
Wipe with a soft microfiber cloth — avoid paper towels, which can leave fine scratches Water or a non-ammonia glass cleaner works well for fingerprints and smudges Non-abrasive household cleaners are safe for more stubborn marks |
Storage & Handling
Remove packaging tape slowly before sliding the print free Lift framed metal prints from two edges, pulling straight up — avoid corner pressure Handle edges and corners with care; drops can dent the aluminum substrate |
Key Cautions
The coating is scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof — soft cloth only, no scrubbing pads The non-porous finish resists bacteria and moisture, making metal an ideal choice for busy households or lake cabins |
Acrylic delivers extraordinary color depth with a luminous, glass-like finish — one of the most popular choices for showcasing Lake Tahoe's vivid blues and greens. The face surface is more sensitive to scratching than metal, so gentle handling pays off. With proper care, the occasional light dusting is genuinely all you'll need.
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Cleaning
Use a soft microfiber cloth only — never paper towels or rough fabrics on the face For streaks, apply a small amount of mild soap and water, rub gently, follow with a damp cloth, then blot dry Novus #1 Plastic Clean & Shine is a purpose-made option if you prefer a dedicated acrylic cleaner Never use ammonia- or alcohol-based cleaners — these cloud and damage the surface permanently |
Storage & Handling
Store flat until ready to hang — extended leaning can cause the panel to bow or develop edge curl Never allow moisture to reach the back of the print; this can damage the face-mount adhesion Handle by both edges; use both hands for larger sizes |
Key Cautions
The face is scratch-sensitive — a single wipe with a rough material can leave a permanent mark When in doubt, use less contact; the less you touch the surface, the better it will look long-term |
Canvas brings a warmth and texture that feels natural in a mountain home or cabin — especially for landscapes where that painterly quality enhances the scene. Because of its fabric surface, canvas is on the more delicate end of the spectrum. Even mild pressure can leave a lasting impression on the face, so it's worth treating gently from the start.
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Cleaning
Dust lightly with a dry microfiber cloth using gentle, circular strokes — no pressure Do not use any liquid cleaners on the surface; moisture can cause fabric warping or ink lifting |
Storage & Handling
When unboxing, grip from the edges — avoid any contact with the face Store in a cool, dry space away from humidity and temperature extremes Do not stack canvas prints face-to-face or place heavy objects on top — even light pressure can dent permanently When transporting, sandwich the print between rigid cardboard and protect all corners |
Key Cautions
Even a fingertip pressed too firmly can leave a visible impression — treat the face as fragile Avoid hanging in bathrooms or any high-humidity space |
A framed print is a complete, ready-to-hang presentation — print, mat, protective acrylic, and frame all together. Each component has its own care needs. The single most important thing to remember: never spray any cleaner directly onto the face, as liquid can migrate behind the frame and permanently damage the print underneath.
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Cleaning
Spray non-ammonia glass cleaner onto a cloth first, then wipe — never spray directly onto the acrylic face This prevents cleaner from seeping behind the frame and reaching the print Wipe the frame itself with a dry or lightly damp cloth; keep liquid away from joints and corners |
Storage & Handling
Carry by the sides of the frame — not by the glass or acrylic face Corner damage on frames is usually permanent; take extra care when moving Store upright or flat in a padded position; never lean frames against each other without padding between them |
Key Cautions
Direct spraying is the most common cause of damage — always spray the cloth, not the surface Moisture at frame edges can cause wood to swell and the finish to lift over time |
Traditional silver halide photographic prints — lustre, glossy, and deep matte velvet — are the time-honored standard of the industry. They're beautiful and capable of capturing the full tonal range of a Sierra Nevada sunrise. Most benefit from careful handling, particularly if uncoated, since skin oils are difficult or impossible to remove from the surface once absorbed.
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Cleaning
Dust only with a dry microfiber cloth, using the lightest possible touch For uncoated surfaces, minimize contact and pressure above all else UV coating or laminate adds a light protective layer, but still avoid any liquid cleaner |
Storage & Handling
Store flat whenever possible to prevent curling or edge warping Always handle by the very edges — fingerprints on uncoated surfaces may be impossible to remove For long-term storage, use archival-quality sleeves or acid-free boxes |
Key Cautions
Skin oils are the single biggest threat — clean hands and edge-only handling go a long way Avoid stacking loose prints face-to-face without protective interleaving sheets |
Fine art papers are uncoated by design — that's what gives them their gallery quality and archival character. It also means there is no protective layer between the image and its surroundings. These prints reward careful handling and proper storage with exceptional longevity. If you're displaying one, I strongly recommend framing it with UV-protective acrylic or glass. Cotton gloves for handling are always a good idea.
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Cleaning
Minimal contact is the guiding principle — the less you touch the surface, the better If dusting is necessary, use the very gentlest pass with a clean, dry microfiber cloth Never use any liquid cleaners of any kind — uncoated paper absorbs moisture and is permanently damaged An air duster held at a reasonable distance can safely clear surface dust without any contact |
Storage & Handling
Always handle with clean cotton gloves or by the very outermost edges Store flat in acid-free archival folders or clamshell boxes Never roll, fold, or stack without archival interleaving paper between each print |
Key Cautions
Even trace moisture from fingertips can leave permanent marks on the uncoated surface Framing with UV-protective acrylic or glass significantly extends longevity — strongly recommended |
Wood prints let the natural grain of the substrate become part of the composition — a quality that suits mountain and forest photography especially well. UV-cured inks provide excellent color longevity, but as a natural material, wood is sensitive to moisture and humidity over time. Display it somewhere dry and consistent, and it will reward you for years.
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Cleaning
Dust with a dry microfiber cloth using light, gentle strokes — no pressing into the surface Do not use any liquid cleaners; moisture penetrates natural wood and can cause warping or grain lifting |
Storage & Handling
Store in a dry, temperature-stable environment — wood is particularly sensitive to humidity swings Handle by the edges; avoid touching the printed face Protect corners during transport; edges and corners are the most vulnerable points |
Key Cautions
Keep away from damp rooms, basements, or anywhere with fluctuating humidity — sustained moisture will warp the panel Direct sunlight can fade the inks and dry out the wood over time; indirect light is best |
Albums are built to be passed down — not just displayed. Treating them as heirlooms from the start, from how you turn pages to where you store them, is what ensures they survive for generations. Both the cover material and the interior spreads have distinct care needs worth knowing.
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Cleaning
Clean the cover with a lightly dampened cloth, testing a small hidden area first to confirm it won't mark For interior spreads, avoid liquid entirely; a soft dry cloth if absolutely necessary Turn pages using fingertip pressure at the edge only — never fingernails |
Storage & Handling
Store flat in a cool, dry space — the most effective way to prevent cover deformation over time If upright storage is necessary, keep the spine supported so the album doesn't sag or lean Open to natural resistance when turning pages; don't force spreads completely flat — this stresses the binding |
Key Cautions
Leather and linen covers absorb moisture and can develop mold or staining — keep away from humidity Direct sunlight fades both cover materials and interior spreads; store away from windows |
At a Glance
A side-by-side comparison of care requirements across all print types.
| Print Type | Cleaning Method | Moisture Risk | Scratch Risk | Best Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal | Microfiber + mild cleaner | Low | Low | Hang or store flat |
| Acrylic | Microfiber / mild soap | High (back) | High (face) | Flat until hung |
| Canvas Wrap | Dry microfiber, no liquid | High | Moderate | Cool, dry space |
| Framed Print | Cloth-first glass cleaner | Moderate | Moderate | Upright, padded |
| Photographic | Dry microfiber only | Moderate | Moderate | Flat, archival sleeves |
| Fine Art | Air duster / minimal touch | High | Very High | Acid-free flat storage |
| Wood | Dry microfiber only | High | Moderate | Dry, stable environment |
| Album | Lightly damp cloth (cover) | High | Low | Flat, away from light |
Stop by the gallery in Truckee, or reach out anytime through the contact page. I'm always glad to talk through which print format makes the most sense for your space, your walls, and your home.
Get in TouchAll photographs © Scott Thompson / Scott Shots Photography. Available as fine art canvas, metal, and framed prints at truckeetahoephotos.com.
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