Caring for Your Frames and Prints: Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Your framed art and photos are more than just décor: they’re reflections of your story, your style, and the moments that matter most. Whether it’s a family portrait, a favorite art print, or a cherished memory, proper care can help preserve its beauty for decades. Here are expert tips from Pictureframes.com on how to keep your frames and prints looking their best for years to come.

Keep Them Out of Direct Sunlight

Sunlight is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to fading prints and discolored mats. Even indirect UV exposure can cause long-term damage.

Pro tip: Display your framed pieces on walls that don’t receive harsh, direct sunlight. You can also opt for UV-protective glazing when you design your frame on Pictureframes.com. It helps filter harmful rays and keeps colors vibrant longer.

Avoid Heat and Humidity

Extreme temperatures and humidity can cause frames to warp and paper-based artwork to ripple or stick to the acrylic.

Best practice:

• Keep your artwork away from heating vents, fireplaces, and steamy bathrooms. • Use a dehumidifier or climate control in areas with fluctuating moisture levels.

Clean with Care

When it’s time to dust or clean your frames, a gentle touch goes a long way.

• Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth for regular dusting.

• For acrylic, lightly mist a clean cloth (not the frame) with acrylic cleaner and wipe gently to avoid streaks.

• Never spray cleaner directly onto the acrylic as it can seep into the frame and damage your artwork.

If your frame is wood, avoid water-based products and instead use a dry or slightly damp cloth.

Handle with Clean Hands

Oils and dirt from your hands can transfer easily to prints, mats, and acrylic. Always wash and dry your hands before handling artwork or use cotton gloves for extra protection.

Rotate Your Artwork

If you love switching up your décor, rotating your framed pieces every few months isn’t just refreshing, it’s also protective. Changing locations reduces the risk of uneven fading and gives your artwork a chance to “rest” from environmental stressors.

Check Hanging Hardware Regularly

Over time, wall hooks, wires, and hanging hardware can loosen. Periodically inspect the back of your frame to ensure everything is still secure. Our frames all ship with free hanging hardware which includes D-rings and hanging wire. For larger frameswe suggest hanging the frame directly from the included D-rings for stability.

Store Unused Frames Properly

If you’re between décor refreshes or keeping seasonal art stored, wrap frames in acid-free paper or bubble wrap and store them upright in a cool, dry place. Avoid stacking them flat, which can cause pressure damage over time.

Invest in Quality from the Start

The best way to protect your artwork is to frame it with museum-quality materials from the beginning. At Pictureframes.com, our handcrafted custom frames, mats, and protective glazing options are designed to preserve your pieces beautifully and sustainably.

Keep Every Memory Timeless

Your artwork deserves more than just a spot on the wall; it deserves care that keeps it looking as meaningful as the day you framed it. With a few mindful maintenance habits and quality materials from Pictureframes.com, your frames and prints can remain timeless treasures for years to come.