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There are many ways your picture frame could be damaged that you may not even think about. This article will explain how to protect both your picture frames and photos from damage.
#1: Avoid Direct Sunlight-
The sun's UV rays can cause a lot of damage to your picture by causing it and the picture frame to fade. Keeping your frame and picture away from direct sunlight is the best way to avoid sun-related damage. Sun will not only degrade your favorite photo but will also damage the color of your frame. Be especially careful of wood frames that are stained or painted in just about any color from solid cherry to bright blue or white picture frames.
If it's not possible to keep your picture frame away from the sun, use a glass or acrylic surface with UV protection to help preserve your picture.
#2: Avoid Moist Areas-
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of any picture and frame. Any place where there is moisture, you want to use caution in displaying any photo or piece of artwork. In bathrooms or above kitchen sinks are perfect examples of areas to avoid displaying a picture.
If your picture frame has a sealed back (common with many custom frames), moisture can be trapped and your picture is likely to be damaged. This is something to be aware of with custom frames as custom framers seal the backs of with paper to keep out dust but trap in moisture. Most ready-made picture frames on the other hand are designed to allow the photograph to breathe inside the frame.
Another form of moisture is humidity. Humidity can cause a lot of damage to your photographs and picture frames. This problem is most common in tropical areas where humidity is always high. The problem with humidity is it can cause the picture to absorb moisture and then stick to the glass. Any photo that adheres to glass is likely ruined as the photo emulsion will be peeled off when you try to remove it. In order to avoid this problem, you should use a mat or spacer that creates an air space so the picture can't stick to the glass.
#3: Use Protective Material When Storing or Moving
Never stack photo frames on top of each other without some type of protection when cleaning or transporting them. Some frames can be easily scratched and scratches can be hard, if not impossible, to erase. Wrapping your picture frames in protective packaging, like towels or bubble wrap, will protect them (and the picture they hold) from damage when they need to be packed or moved.
#4: Use Caution with Spray Cleaners-
This should be standard procedure, but many people have ruined irreplaceable memories by not thinking about the damage that can be done by using spray cleaners. The spray cleaner will not only cause moisture damage to your photo but will often ruin the emulsion surface of your photograph. To avoid this problem, all you have to do is remove your photo from the frame before cleaning. But if you don't want to take the time to remove your photo, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe off dust from the picture frame and avoid using a spray glass cleaner.
Remembering these four helpful tips will ensure that your pictures stay protected and your picture frames continue to look their best for years.
