How to Protect Your Picture Frame

A picture frame is designed to protect and enhance the picture inside it. While your primary concern is usually keep the picture safe, you may also want to think about protecting the frame itself. That way you will be able to get a long life from the frame and enjoy for years to come. In this article I will give you 4 important pieces of advice for keeping your picture frame safe from damage.

Tip 1: Avoid the harmful effects of UV rays

The sun rays can damage and fade both your picture and the frame. You should keep the picture frame away from direct sunlight. However, if you can’t keep the sun away then you should buy a frame with UV protected glazing. This will be a little more expensive but will keep your picture and frame from fading. Wood frames that have been painted and magnetic picture frames are especially susceptible to fading.

Tip 2: Avoid moisture

After sun damage, moisture is one of the most common problems for picture frames. Moisture can seep in through the frame, damaging it from the inside and warping the picture. Areas with high levels of moisture are bathrooms and kitchens, and you should place your frames in areas like this.

Some houses have a higher level of moisture than others. Depending on how your frame is constructed, your frame may have sealed back. The seal is designed to keep out dust from getting inside the frame but can trap moisture inside. If you have a house that has a high level of moisture then you should avoid frames with sealed back.

Humidity is also a concern. High levels of humidity can cause the picture to absorb moisture and stick to the glazing. This won’t be a problem unless you try to remove the picture from the frame because it will tear or peel the picture.

Tip 3: Protect your pictures when moving

One of the most common periods of time when pictures frames are damaged is when people move homes. To ensure that you frames are scratched or broken you will need to wrap them securely in protective material like soft towels or bubble wrap.

Tip 4: Avoid using spray cleaners

You should avoid cleaning your cheap picture frames with spray cleaners. Some of these cleaners can cause the glazing to become clouded and cloths can scratch the acrylic. Instead, use a dry soft cloth to dust the picture frame. Harder to remove stains or marks should be removed with a damp soft cloth but make sure you don’t spread the moisture.