Picture frames gather dust, dirt and grime, which spoils their looks and can shorten their life. Cleaning a picture frame calls for a gentle touch, because the materials can be delicate. The right method depends on what the frame is made of, so identify that first.
Know your frame
- Wood. Traditional and versatile, in every kind of finish: bare, stained, waxed, painted or lacquered.
- Metal. Usually aluminium. Light, durable and modern.
- Polcore. A moulding made from recycled polystyrene, with a printed or foiled finish.
- Ornate and gilded. Decorated mouldings, in wood or polcore, sometimes with a gold or silver finish that is very easily rubbed off.
The glazing is either glass or acrylic, and the two need different treatment.
Why regular cleaning matters
- Appearance. A clean frame shows the picture at its best.
- Protection of the frame. Built-up grime dulls and wears a finish.
- Protection of the picture. Dust on a frame can work its way inside.
The basic method
Nine times out of ten, a frame needs only dusting.
- Take the picture down and lay it flat on a clean towel.
- Dust the frame with a soft, dry microfibre cloth or a soft brush.
- Clean the glazing with a cloth, never by spraying it directly, because liquid runs down behind the frame and can reach the mount and the picture.
- Dry everything before you hang it up again.
Always test any cleaner or polish on a small, hidden part of the frame first. And never let water get inside a frame.
If dusting is not enough
- Soapy water. A drop of mild washing-up liquid in water, on a cloth wrung out until it is only just damp, will lift marks from sealed and painted finishes. Wipe dry at once.
- Vinegar and water. Equal parts of white vinegar and water clean glass well.
- Glass cleaner. Fine for glass. Do not use it on acrylic.
- Furniture polish or wax. For polished or waxed wood only.
Different frames, different care
Metal frames
- Wipe away dust with a soft cloth.
- Remove marks with a barely damp cloth, then dry.
- Do not use metal polish on a modern aluminium frame. Its colour is a thin anodised or painted coating, and an abrasive polish will take it off. Metal polish is only for solid, uncoated metal such as silver, and then only as its maker directs.
Wooden frames
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth.
- For a mark, use a barely damp cloth and dry at once. Bare and waxed wood should not be wetted at all.
- A little furniture polish or wax, on a cloth, will revive a polished finish. Keep it off painted and bare wood, and off the glass.
Keep wooden frames away from damp, which can warp them and open the corners.
Ornate and gilded frames
Use a soft, dry brush, such as a clean make-up or artist's brush, to lift dust out of the detail. Do not use water, polish or cleaning products on a gilded finish, and do not rub it. Real gilding is extremely thin, and water dissolves some kinds of it. A valuable or antique frame should be cleaned by a conservator.
Cleaning the glazing
Glass
- Put glass cleaner, or the vinegar mixture, on a clean cloth.
- Wipe the glass gently.
- Polish dry with a lint-free cloth to avoid streaks.
Acrylic
- Blow or gently brush off loose dust first, because grit dragged across acrylic will scratch it.
- Wipe with a clean microfibre cloth dampened with water and a drop of mild washing-up liquid.
- Dry with a soft cloth.
Never use glass cleaner, anything containing ammonia or alcohol, or kitchen paper on acrylic. They cloud and scratch it.
Keeping frames in good condition
Protection
- Use acid-free mounts and backing boards when a picture is framed. They prevent deterioration over time.
- Choose UV-protective glazing to slow fading.
- Keep frames out of direct sunlight and away from damp, and do not hang them above radiators or working fireplaces.
How often?
- Every week or two. A light dusting when you dust the room.
- Every few months. A more thorough clean of the frame and glazing, as described above.
- Once a year. Take each picture down and check the back: the cord, the fixings and the tape that seals the backing.
EasyFrame offers a wide range of made-to-measure frames, and with long experience we can advise on the right frame for your artwork and on how to look after it. Call us on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk. We are always happy to talk, whether or not you want to buy.