Display
If you choose to frame and display:
- Use UV-filter acrylic glazing, not glass. Acrylic filters harmful light and prevents condensation.
- Add spacers between the cel and glazing so the paint never touches the surface.
- Avoid sunlight and fluorescent lighting — even brief exposure fades colours and dries paint.
- Rotate displays every few months. Long-term display can cause uneven ageing and pigment shift.
Handling
Always handle cels with clean, dry hands or cotton/nitrile gloves. Hold only the edges of the acetate. Avoid flexing or rolling, as even light bending can cause micro-cracks in the paint. If removing a cel from a sleeve, support both sides evenly to prevent stress.
Cleaning and maintenance
Do not attempt to clean the cel surface with cloths or liquids. Dust with a soft antistatic brush if necessary. Never apply moisture, solvents, or sprays. Any stuck paint, residue, or warping should be left to a professional conservator.
Framing lifespan
If framed, recheck condition every 6–12 months. Look for changes in odour, curling, or clouding of the acetate. These are early signs of chemical decomposition and should be addressed immediately by unframing and airing in a cool environment.
Long-term preservation
For collectors managing larger archives, consider flat-file drawers or acid-free storage boxes. Label each sleeve clearly with title and studio but avoid adhesives directly on the plastic. Keep an inventory of storage location and condition, this helps track gradual changes over years.
Preservation is not complicated; it’s about patience and environment. Light, heat, and pressure are the only real enemies. Treat every cel as what it is: a one-of-a-kind artefact of film history, a painted frame that once moved on screen. With care, it will outlive all of us.
