How to Protect and Frame Your Witcher Ronin Lithograph

Quick answer

Frame your Witcher Ronin lithograph with acid-free backing and UV-filtering glazing, keep it out of direct sunlight, and handle it only by the edges with clean, dry hands. If you want to preserve value, ask a framer to use archival materials and avoid dry-mounting or trimming the print.

A lithograph is a printed piece of art on paper, and paper is sensitive to light, moisture, and the wrong framing materials. The Witcher Ronin lithograph by Jen Bartel deserves better than a cheap frame that will yellow the paper or fade the inks over time.

This guide walks through the exact steps to protect and frame your Witcher Ronin lithograph, from choosing the right mat and glazing to hanging it where it can be seen without being damaged. Each step includes a common mistake to avoid, so you can frame it once and enjoy it for years.

Why framing materials matter more than the frame itself

The frame is the visible part, but the materials touching your lithograph do the real work. Acid-free mats and backing boards prevent the paper from yellowing and becoming brittle. UV-filtering glazing blocks most of the light that fades inks. If you skip these, even a beautiful frame can slowly damage the print.

For the Witcher Ronin lithograph, which features detailed artwork by Jen Bartel, color fidelity is the whole point. Non-archival cardboard or foam core can leach acids into the paper within months. The extra cost of archival materials is small compared to replacing a damaged print, and it keeps the option open to reframe or resell later.

• Look for the words 'acid-free' or 'archival' on mat and backing labels.
• Avoid corrugated cardboard, which is acidic and can transfer stains.

Step 1: Choose the right glazing for your display spot

Glazing is the clear protective sheet in front of the art. Acrylic with a UV filter is lighter and safer than glass, and it blocks the most damaging light wavelengths. Standard glass offers no UV protection and can break, risking the print. If your lithograph will hang near a window, UV acrylic is the practical choice.

Museum glass is another option, but it costs more and its main advantage is reduced glare rather than better protection. For most homes, UV-filtering acrylic gives you the best balance of protection, weight, and price. Check that the glazing does not directly touch the surface of the print; a mat creates that air gap.

• UV acrylic is lighter and less likely to break than glass.
• A mat keeps glazing off the artwork and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Use a mat and backing that won't touch the print with acid

A mat does two jobs: it keeps the glazing away from the art and it gives the eye some breathing room. Choose a mat made from 100% cotton rag or purified wood pulp that is labeled acid-free. The backing board behind the print should also be acid-free; this is the layer most people forget.

If you want the most reversible setup, ask your framer to hinge the print with Japanese paper and wheat starch paste, or use archival mounting corners. Never let anyone dry-mount or glue your lithograph to a board. That process is permanent and will destroy the print's value and ability to be removed safely.

• Acid-free mat and backing are non-negotiable for long-term care.
• Archival hinges or corners let you remove the print later without damage.

Step 3: Handle the print only by the edges

Oils and dirt from your fingers can etch into paper and show up as permanent smudges. Before you touch the lithograph, wash and dry your hands, or wear clean cotton gloves. Hold the print by opposite edges and support it from underneath. Never touch the printed surface, even if it looks clean.

Work on a clean, flat surface covered with a fresh sheet of acid-free paper or a clean cloth. Remove rings, watches, or anything that could scratch. If you need to set the print down, place it face up and avoid sliding it across the surface, which can cause abrasions.

• Cotton gloves or freshly washed hands reduce oil transfer.
• A clean, flat, padded surface prevents creases and scratches.

Step 4: Hang it away from light, heat, and moisture

Even with UV glazing, long exposure to direct sun will eventually fade any print. Hang your Witcher Ronin lithograph on an interior wall that gets indirect light, away from windows, radiators, and air vents. Bathrooms and kitchens add moisture and temperature swings that can warp paper and encourage mold.

Use two hooks or a French cleat rated for the frame's weight, and make sure the frame hangs flat against the wall. If you live in a humid climate, a small silica gel packet behind the backing can help, but only if it does not touch the art. Check the frame every few months for condensation or insect activity.

• Indirect light and stable temperature and humidity are ideal.
• Avoid bathrooms, kitchens, and direct sun to prevent warping and fading.

Your framing and protection checklist

1. Gather archival materials: Buy an acid-free mat, acid-free backing board, and UV-filtering acrylic or glass cut to the lithograph's dimensions. Confirm the glazing does not touch the art. Checkpoint: if any material is not labeled acid-free, do not use it against the print.
2. Prepare a clean workspace: Wash and dry your hands or put on cotton gloves. Clear a flat surface and cover it with clean, acid-free paper. Remove jewelry that could snag the paper. Mistake to avoid: handling the print with bare, oily hands or on a dusty table.
3. Mount the print reversibly: Use archival mounting corners or Japanese paper hinges to attach the print to the backing. Do not use tape, glue, or dry-mounting. Place the mat over the print and secure it. Checkpoint: the print should be held securely but removable without tearing.
4. Assemble the frame: Place the glazing in the frame, then the matted print, then the backing board. Seal the back with framing tape to keep out dust and insects. Attach hanging hardware rated for the weight. Mistake to avoid: overtightening the frame, which can buckle the backing and press on the art.
5. Hang and maintain: Choose an interior wall with indirect light and stable temperature. Hang level using two points of support. Every few months, check for condensation, dust, or pests and dust the frame with a dry microfiber cloth. Next step: set a reminder to inspect the frame seasonally, especially in humid months.

Gear that complements your lithograph display

• THE WITCHER RONIN BATTLE TEE: This top-quality t-shirt showcases scenes from the beautifully illustrated Witcher Ronin universe and is available in multiple sizes. If you enjoy the Ronin artwork, this tee lets you wear the same visual world while your lithograph stays safely framed at home.
• THE WITCHER SIR GERALT OF RIVIA METAL SIGN: This metal sign depicts Geralt's crest from Rivia and is a durable wall piece that does not require the same light and humidity precautions as paper art. It is a good option for spots where a lithograph would be at risk, such as a hallway with more light or temperature changes.

Framing your Witcher Ronin lithograph with archival materials and hanging it wisely protects both the artwork and your investment. Take the extra steps now, and Jen Bartel's art will stay vivid on your wall for years to come.