Frame Care: Cleaning, Protecting, and Maintaining Your Frames

A well-made frame lasts for decades with minimal upkeep. The main things that damage frames are the wrong cleaning products, direct sunlight, and humidity swings. Here's how to avoid all three.

Cleaning Your Frames

Glass and Acrylic Glazing

For Glass Glazing:

Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth
Spray glass cleaner on the cloth (never directly on the glass)
Wipe gently in circular motions
Buff with a dry cloth for streak-free results
Clean regularly to prevent dust buildup

For Acrylic (Plexiglass) Glazing:
Acrylic glazing requires a dedicated acrylic cleaner, not glass cleaner. Standard glass cleaners contain ammonia, which clouds acrylic over time. We recommend NOVUS Acrylic Cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto a soft microfiber cloth, not directly onto the acrylic, and wipe gently. Anti-static spray reduces dust buildup between cleanings.

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
Dry immediately with a clean cloth
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
Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots
Polish occasionally with appropriate metal cleaner
Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage finishes

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

Sun Exposure and UV Damage

UV light fades colors, yellows paper, and degrades materials over time. Even indirect sunlight causes cumulative damage. The two best defenses: UV-filtering acrylic and thoughtful frame placement.

UV Protection Strategies

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 and is ideal for valuable pieces.

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

Additional Protection:

Use UV-filtering window film on nearby windows
Consider LED lighting instead of halogen (produces less UV)
Monitor for early signs of fading and relocate if necessary

Signs of Sun Damage

Watch for these warning signs:

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.

Temperature and Humidity

Stable conditions matter more than perfect conditions. Swings in temperature and humidity cause wood to expand and contract, which loosens joints and warps frames over time.

Ideal Conditions

Aim for 65-75°F and 40-50% relative humidity. Keep frames away from heating vents, radiators, fireplaces, and exterior doors. Too dry and paper gets brittle and wood cracks. Too humid and you risk mold, warping, and adhesive failure. The biggest offenders: bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics.

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 (drafts and temperature changes)

Seasonal Adjustments

In climates with dramatic seasonal changes:

Use a humidifier in winter (heating dries air)
Use a dehumidifier in humid summers
Check frames seasonally for warping or loose corners
Ensure proper air circulation around frames

Hanging and Display Best Practices

Proper Installation

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
Ensure hardware is securely fastened

Level and Secure:

Use a level when hanging to ensure straight alignment
Check security periodically, especially in earthquake-prone areas
Tighten loose screws or hardware annually
Consider earthquake putty or wire for added security

Safe Display Locations

Best Locations:

Interior walls away from windows
Climate-controlled living spaces
Walls protected from direct sunlight
Secure surfaces away from high-traffic bumps

Avoid:

Damp or humid areas
Walls with active leaks or moisture issues
Areas where frames might be bumped regularly
Locations with extreme temperature changes

When to Reframe

Even with excellent care, frames and their components don't last forever. Consider reframing when:

Signs It's Time to Reframe

Visible Damage:

Cracked or broken glass/acrylic
Loose or separated frame corners
Warped or damaged mat board
Fading or discolored mats
Damaged or deteriorating backing

Preservation Concerns:

Original framing used non-archival materials
Valuable artwork deserves better protection
Visible signs of aging or deterioration
Mat board touching artwork (should have spacers)

Style Updates:

Frame style no longer matches your decor
Want to upgrade to protective glazing
Desire to add or change matting
Switching from glass to acrylic (or vice versa)

Protective Upgrades:

Adding gallery-grade glazing for valuable pieces
Upgrading to archival mats
Improving backing and dust protection
Adding spacers for delicate artwork

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
Insurance: Consider insuring valuable framed artwork
Professional cleaning: For very valuable pieces, hire professional conservators

Annual Frame Inspection

Once a year, inspect your frames for:

Loose corners or joints
Cracked glass or acrylic
Discolored or degraded mats
Moisture or mold (especially in backing)
Loose hanging hardware
Signs of insect damage

Address any issues promptly to prevent further 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

Following these care guidelines helps preserve your frame warranty. Clean with approved methods, avoid structural modifications, and report any defects promptly. Frames are designed for indoor display in normal residential conditions. Full warranty terms are on our warranty page.

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 for damage
✓ 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 or deterioration
✗ Use abrasive cleaning materials

Need Help?

Questions about frame care? Email hello@shadowboxframes.com or call 1 (888) 874-7156. We're happy to help with cleaning recommendations, replacement glazing, or any maintenance questions.