Mass Effect Art Print Care: Giclée vs. Standard Prints
By Sanshee, Collect Joy™ | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Tips & Care
Learn the truth about giclée vs. standard art prints, how to prevent fading, and proper storage so your Mass Effect artwork stays vibrant for years.
Quick Answer
Giclée prints are more durable against fading than standard prints, but both need protection from direct sunlight and humidity. Store them flat or in a portfolio to keep colors vibrant.
Why Giclée Prints Resist Fading Better
Giclée printing uses pigment-based inks and high-resolution archival paper, which are designed to resist UV light and moisture better than standard dye-based inks. This makes them a smarter choice for long-term display, especially if you plan to frame your art in a sunny room.
Standard prints, while often more affordable, use inks that can fade faster when exposed to direct sunlight. If you're on a budget, you can still protect them by choosing a spot away from windows or using UV-filtering glass.
The Real Fading Culprits: Sunlight and Humidity
Many people believe all art prints fade equally, but the main factors are UV exposure and high humidity. Even the most durable giclée print will degrade if left in direct sunlight for years. Humidity can cause paper to warp or develop mold, which affects both giclée and standard prints.
To keep your Mass Effect art looking sharp, hang it in a low-humidity room and avoid places like bathrooms or kitchens where moisture fluctuates.
Storage Matters as Much as Display
If you rotate your art or keep prints in storage, how you store them matters as much as where you hang them. Flat storage in a portfolio or between acid-free boards prevents bending and creasing. Never roll prints tightly for long periods—this can cause curling that's hard to reverse.
For unframed prints, keep them in a cool, dry place, ideally in a protective sleeve. This is especially important for limited edition pieces you may want to resell later.
Myth vs. Fact: Art Print Care Verdicts
- Myth: All art prints fade the same way: Verdict: False. Giclée prints use pigment inks that are more UV-resistant than standard dye-based prints, so they fade slower in similar conditions. Choose giclée when you want maximum longevity for a sunny wall.
- Myth: Framing is enough to protect prints: Verdict: Partially true. Framing helps, but you also need UV-filtering glass and to avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading. Use UV-protective glass and place art away from direct sun.
- Myth: Rolling prints for storage is fine: Verdict: False. Rolling can cause permanent curling. Store prints flat in a portfolio or between acid-free boards instead. Store flat to keep your prints ready for framing.
Product Facts
- Mass Effect - Limited Edition Shepard Legendary Art Print UNSIGNED: This is an 18x24 inch officially licensed Mass Effect art print featuring Commander Shepard and squadmates, available in unsigned and signed styles. The larger format makes it a great centerpiece, but its size also means you should frame it with UV-protective glass to preserve the colors.
Mass Effect - Limited Edition Shepard Legendary Art Print UNSIGNED - Mass Effect - Citadel Tourism Giclée Print: This is an official Mass Effect Citadel Tourism Giclée print, designed to capture the awe-inspiring view of the Serpent Nebula through the Citadel rings. As a giclée print, it offers better resistance to fading, making it ideal for display in brighter rooms without worrying about quick color loss.
Mass Effect - Citadel Tourism Giclée Print
