they are painted on gallery canvas or 1/2" canvas; the sides are painted so they can be hung as is or mounted on a frame. "but from there you will seek the lord your god, and you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. and what is the shelf life? however, i will say this is the product i hear about from parents most often. you will want to offer with a organization that is able to easily process any claims you may have. a curse to those that break them. 