Proper care and maintenance will keep your custom frames looking beautiful for years to come. Follow these simple guidelines to protect your investment and preserve your precious artwork and memories.
Cleaning Your Frames
Glass and Acrylic Glazing
For Glass Glazing: 1) Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth. 2) Spray glass cleaner on the cloth (never directly on the glass). 3) Wipe gently in circular motions. 4) Buff with a dry cloth for streak-free results. 5) Clean regularly to prevent dust buildup.
For Acrylic (Plexiglass) Glazing: 1) Use only acrylic-specific cleaners or mild soap and water. 2) Never use glass cleaner (it can cause cloudiness). 3) Spray cleaner on a soft cloth, not directly on the acrylic. 4) Wipe gently to avoid scratching. 5) Use an anti-static spray to reduce dust attraction.
What to Avoid: Ammonia-based cleaners on acrylic; paper towels (they can scratch); abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads; excessive moisture near frame edges; spraying cleaner directly on the frame.
Learn more about different glazing options in our glazing guide.
Cleaning Frame Molding
Wood Frames: Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid excess moisture that can damage the finish. For ornate frames, use a soft brush to reach details.
Metal Frames: Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth. For fingerprints, use a slightly damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Polish occasionally with appropriate metal cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Painted or Finished Frames: Dust with a soft, dry cloth; use minimal moisture; never use abrasive cleaners; test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area first; dry immediately after cleaning.
Protecting Frames from Sunlight
Sunlight is one of the biggest threats to framed artwork, causing fading, yellowing, and deterioration over time.
Choose Protective Glazing: The best defense is framer's grade acrylic or protective glass, which blocks 70–99% of harmful ultraviolet rays. Gallery-grade glazing blocks 99% of UV light.
Strategic Placement: Avoid hanging frames in direct sunlight; position frames on walls perpendicular to windows rather than directly across; use curtains or blinds to filter harsh afternoon sun; rotate artwork periodically if some sun exposure is unavoidable.
Signs of Sun Damage: Watch for yellowing of white mats or paper; fading of colors in photos or prints; brittleness of paper or artwork; discoloration of frame finish. If you notice these signs, relocate your frame immediately and consider protective glazing replacement.
Humidity and Temperature Considerations
Ideal Conditions: Temperature 65–75°F (18–24°C); humidity 40–50% relative humidity. Too dry: paper becomes brittle, wood cracks. Too humid: mold growth, warping, adhesive failure.
Problem Areas to Avoid: Bathrooms (high humidity and temperature swings); kitchens (grease, moisture, heat); basements (dampness, mold risk); attics (temperature extremes); directly over fireplaces; near exterior doors.
Hanging and Display Best Practices
Use Appropriate Hardware: Use wall anchors or hang from studs for frames over 20 pounds; choose picture hangers rated for your frame's weight; use two hooks for large frames for better stability.
Best Locations: Interior walls away from windows; climate-controlled living spaces; walls protected from direct sunlight. Avoid: Damp or humid areas; walls with active leaks; areas where frames might be bumped regularly.
When to Reframe
Consider reframing when:
- Visible Damage: Cracked or broken glass/acrylic; loose or separated frame corners; warped or damaged mat board
- Preservation Concerns: Original framing used non-archival materials; valuable artwork deserves better protection
- Style Updates: Frame style no longer matches your decor; want to upgrade to protective glazing
- Protective Upgrades: Adding gallery-grade glazing; upgrading to archival mats; improving backing and dust protection
Long-Term Preservation Tips
For valuable or irreplaceable artwork:
- Use archival materials: archival mats, protective glazing, archival backing
- Professional framing: invest in expert framing for valuable pieces
- Document your collection: photograph frames and keep framing receipts
- Consider insuring valuable framed artwork
Annual Frame Inspection: Once a year, inspect for loose corners or joints; cracked glass or acrylic; discolored or degraded mats; moisture or mold; loose hanging hardware; signs of insect damage.
Storage Guidelines
If you need to store framed artwork:
- Clean thoroughly before storing
- Wrap in archival paper or bubble wrap
- Store vertically, never flat (prevents warping)
- Use climate-controlled space (not attics or basements)
- Keep away from moisture and temperature extremes
- Don't stack frames on top of each other
Warranty Care Requirements
To maintain your frame warranty, follow these essential care guidelines: Clean frames using approved methods only; avoid modifications to the frame structure; report damage or defects promptly; keep frames in appropriate environmental conditions; use frames as intended (indoor display). See our complete warranty policy for coverage details and terms.
Quick Reference: Do's and Don'ts
DO: ✓ Dust frames regularly with soft cloths ✓ Use appropriate cleaners for your glazing type ✓ Protect from direct sunlight and UV damage ✓ Maintain stable temperature and humidity ✓ Inspect frames annually ✓ Use proper hanging hardware
DON'T: ✗ Spray cleaner directly on glass or frame ✗ Use ammonia cleaners on acrylic ✗ Hang in bathrooms, kitchens, or damp areas ✗ Place in direct sunlight ✗ Ignore signs of damage ✗ Use abrasive cleaning materials
For frame design and customization options, visit our frame designer to create your perfect custom frame.