How to Clean and Care for Pictures and Frames

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

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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

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

2. 

   Use acid-free mats to protect artwork from discoloration.

3. 

   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.)

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

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

6. 

   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.

7. 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.

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.