BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Clean and Care for Pictures and Frames

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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You've selected artwork worthy of being displayed in your home. Here's how to protect your investment in art and frames.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Soft Lint-free Cloths
Lamb's-wool Dusters
Ultraviolet-filtering Window Films
Glass Cleaners

Step1

Situate artwork so that sunlight is not beaming onto it. This will prevent fading.

Step2

Use acid-free mats to protect artwork from discoloration.

Step3

Clean the glass carefully. Spray a cloth with cleaner and then wipe the glass. (If you spray directly onto the glass, you could easily damage the frame, or liquid could seep under the edge and damage the art and/or mat.)

Step4

Use a very soft cloth or lamb's wool tool when dusting a fine frame. This will prevent scratches.

Step5

Have an ultraviolet window film installed to protect art (and fabrics) from fading as a result of sunlight.

Step6

Hold onto opposite sides of the picture frame when moving a picture. Don't carry the frame by the picture-hanging wire, because it may give way and the picture will crash to the ground.

Step7

Keep valuable artwork out of kitchens and bathrooms, where steamy, dirty air poses a threat.

Tips & Warnings

A valuable oil painting should be cleaned by a professional. An extra-gentle dusting with a lamb's wool duster should not damage a less expensive oil painting that is lightly textured.

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Comments

Anonymous said

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on 3/15/2006 Sunlight is not the only light source that causes fading of artwork. Some household lighting is also a culprit. To avoid fading by UV rays, make sure you get your piece framed with conservation quality glazing that filters out 98% of UV rays.