Whether your frame has been professionally constructed and sealed, or you like to swap out your photographs regularly, there are different methods for keeping your wall or desktop displays in top condition.

SUMMARY

PRIOR TO FRAMING	CLEANING THE GLASS	CLEANING THE FRAME
Consider having special photographs scanned and prints made, instead of displaying the originals.	Dust regularly, use a damp cloth or glass cleaner to remove stuck-on dirt, and clean completely when changing the photo.	Dust regularly, and use the appropriate cleaning method depending on the frame materials.

Want to read the quick version? Check out our blog post: Caring for Your Picture Frame.

This doesn't mean, however, that you can't display your special memories. For old photos and important images, we highly recommend creating digital copies and having prints made. This way, you can still display your pictures, but the delicate and precious originals can be kept safe elsewhere: out of direct light, away from oily fingers, and in acid-free storage that will not cause the paper to discolor or disintegrate.

You can scan you images yourself if you have a scanner at home and they are small in size (4x6's or 5x7's). For large images, or if you don't have a scanner, we are happy to create the digital images for you.

If you are ordering prints of your photographs, we are happy to scan any image smaller than 8x10" free of charge. We will then print copies on beautiful, quality fine art papers which will last much longer than the vintage papers on which your originals were made.

If you really want to display your old photographs, torn edges, yellowing and all, then we still recommend having the scanned first. This way, if anything ever does befall your original, you will at least have a backup copy of the image.

If your artwork was professionally framed and is taped on the back, there should never be any need to open up the frame and clean the glass. The tape has created a seal that keeps out dust, dirt, and moisture, and if you have purchased acid-free and UV-protective contents, opening it could simply introduce new and unwanted particles and chemicals into the space. If this is the case, skip to the next section on cleaning the picture frame (with the artwork intact).

If you change photographs regularly in your picture frames, you may want to remove and clean the glazing well each time:

1. Lay a soft cloth on the clean surface you will be using. Never lay your frame face-down without cushioning underneath; this will scratch the frame, regardless of the material or quality.

2. Remove the backing and place the photograph and mat somewhere safe, well away from whatever you are using to clean the glazing (stray glass cleaner or even water spray can ruin your photos).

3. If the glazing is glass, you can use glass cleaner spray and a soft cotton or microfiber cloth to clean it. If it is acrylic (plexiglass), do not use glass cleaner, just use soap and water. Do not use paper towel to dry acrylic - it can scratch.

4. Take this opportunity to give the frame a good cleaning as well; you risk dirtying the glazing again if you clean it after the contents are reassembled. The next section explains how to clean your frame.

5. Make sure the glazing has dried completely (leaving it for a few hours is the safest bet) before returning it to the frame. Moisture can condense inside the frame and damage the artwork, or cause it to stick to the glazing.

6. If you have compressed air, you may use it to clear dust from the inside of the glazing before placing the photograph. Otherwise, use a dry, soft cloth, or blow very gently. Once the mat and picture are returned to the frame, you may want to carefully hold it up to make sure no dust specks are visible before replacing the backing.

7. Replace the backing after ensuring there is no dirt or other debris stuck to the back of the picture or the inside of the backing. Any bumps will be pressed against the photograph and can cause dents.

A microfiber cloth will not scratch the glazing

If you are doing more than dusting, be sure to remove your art from the wall before you wipe it down. By pressing - even gently - on the top of the frame, you are putting strain on the hangers and/or the wire, which could cause them to weaken and break over time. When you take the frame down, spend a moment examining the hangers to make sure they are still well attached, and the wire hasn't loosened.

If you need to use water or cleaner, be sure to spray onto your cloth, not onto the frame - this will prevent you from using too much and having it seep into the frame (in the case of wood frames).

WOOD FRAMES

METAL FRAMES

If you don't know the frame material, test out your cleaning method of choice on the the back or bottom of the frame where the finish is the same but any potential damage won't show.

Clean metal frames with soap and water

If you have any questions about this or our other products and services, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable staff are always happy to offer answers, advice or suggestions.

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