Picture Frames - How to Care for Your Frame and Picture

Keeping your frame looking beautiful will add to the enjoyment of your picture for years to come. Let’s talk about the care of your photograph before we get to picture frame care.

Consider Reproducing Your One-of-a-Kind Photographs

The pictures you display on your walls and tabletops are important to you. If they are original photos with a missing negative and no way to reproduce, the first thing you should consider is making a high quality copy.

There are many ways to reproduce your photo. Although you can reproduce it yourself with some technical knowledge, it is my recommendation to take it to a professional to have it done right. If your photos are worth saving it’s worth spending a little money to avoid disappointment and to get a quality photo that will last a lifetime.

Clean Your Picture Frames Regularly

Like anything in your home or office, your picture frames will need to be dusted and cleaned. It doesn’t matter if your frame is a beautiful Metal Picture Frame or a solid wood frame - smooth surfaces scratch.

To prevent the frame from being scratched while cleaning, place the frame on a soft thick towel on a flat surface. Never set a frame face down on a hard surface as this could scratch it. Open the back of the frame and remove the picture. Then remove the glass and clean it with glass cleaner. Only use soap and water on acrylic and use a cloth towel instead of paper towels to safeguard against scratching the acrylic. If you’re using conservation techniques to protect your photo, using cloth is especially important because the acid in the paper towels can slowly degrade your picture.

The finish of the picture frame determines the method of care. Most wood picture frames with a smooth finish (like furniture) can be cleaned with a dust cleaner or a slightly dampened cloth. If using a spray cleaner, be sure to remove the picture before you start. Rustic wood picture frames without a lacquered finish need only a slightly water dampened towel to clean. A soft toothbrush or microfiber cloth can also be used with good results. Do not use dust cleaners or wood cleaners on unfinished wood as the wood may become discolored.

How to Clean Your Metal Picture Frames

There are as many different ways to clean metal picture frames. Gold colored, silver colored or aluminum picture frames only require a damp towel to gently clean your frame without damaging the finish.

If you have a quality picture frame made out of pewter, silver plate or sterling then you need to find out if it has a lacquered finish. For older picture frames, chances are good that they don’t have a lacquer finish as they will look tarnished. For newer frames, they generally have a lacquer finish so they’ll never tarnish.

My suggestion is to use only a slightly water damped towel to dust any metal picture frame until you notice the frame looking tarnished or turning color. If it starts to tarnish then your frame is most likely not-lacquered.

For un-lacquered finishes in solid pewter picture frames, silver plated frames or sterling silver picture frames, you should use a good quality silver cleaner and follow the directions carefully. If you are unsure of the finish, test a small area on the bottom of the frame or on the back of the frame (where’s it not easily visible) to prevent damage.

It is highly recommended that you clean and care for your frames while the pictures are removed. Wait for the glass to completely dry before placing your picture back in the frame. This will prevent moisture damage to the picture.

Following these simple cleaning and care techniques will keep your frames looking beautiful and keep your pictures safe.