What You Can Do to Protect Your Picture Frames and Photos

Now that you’ve spent your time and money on a picture frame, it is important to understand how to avoid damaging your frame and photo. Although there are many ways you can ruin your photo and picture frame, there are four simple things you can do to keep your picture frame looking good for years. Many people don’t realize how easy it would have been to protect their picture frame and photo until it’s too late.With these four important tips you can help keep your photo and picture frame looking good for many years.Avoid Your Picture Frame From Getting Direct SunlightWe all know the kind of damage the sun can do to your skin and your photos are no different. The sun’s powerful UV rays can badly damage your pictures so reduce the risk of long-term damage and fading pictures by keeping your picture frames away from direct sunlight.If it's impossible for you to keep your picture frame away from direct sunlight, there are a few things you can do. The first thing you should do is make a copy of your special photo so if the photo is every damaged you'll still have a good quality image. The other thing to do is use UV glass or UV acrylic, which will significantly reduce the UV exposure to your picture. Although your picture will be protected, your frame may still fade in the direct sunlight. Some of the picture frames that are most sensitive to fading are those made out of natural materials like paper, fabric and wood. You should also be careful with stained or colored frames like red, green or blue picture frames.Avoid MoistureWe are all aware of the damage that can be caused by flooding but have you ever thought of the damage that's caused by steam?Photos and picture frames can be badly damaged by this type of moisture. Be sure to avoid hanging your picture frames next to the kitchen sink or in a bathroom where it can get hot and steamy. If you choose to display pictures in these locations, be sure you have extra copies of your photos made and choose a frame that won’t get damaged by moisture. The best frames for moist areas are metal picture frames that are made out of aluminum and won’t rust.Be cautious of picture frames with a sealed back. A sealed back can be either taped closed or glued shut with paper to give it a more finished look and help keep it clean and protected. A sealed back on a frame does not protect your photo but instead can damage it by trapping moisture inside.Moisture is naturally found in the air in the form of humidity. When the temperature outside the frame differs from that on the inside, moisture builds.If your picture frame has a sealed back, it traps the moisture inside and leaves your picture to absorb it.If you live in an area of high humidity, you should consider investing in spacers or mats to keep your picture from touching the glass. When a picture touches the glass continuously in high humidity, the picture can stick to the glass and be permanently damaged.Mats or spacers help keep the glass from resting on the photo and allow for air movement so the photo can never adhere to the glass.Be Careful of Using Spray CleanersThis may seem obvious, but there are many people who don't realize the damage that can be done by spraying glass cleaner on the picture frame glass. Anytime you're planning to use a spray cleaner to clean your picture frame, always remove the photo first before cleaning. The sprayed liquid cleaner can seep underneath the glass and stain your photo. If you don't want to remove the photo then use a cloth to clean instead of using spray cleaner directly on the glass.More Frame Care TipsAnother important tip to remember to avoid damaging your picture frame is never stack your picture frames without protecting them. If you are moving or need to store your frames, be sure to protect them with bubble wrap or thick towels.  Metal and wood picture frames are difficult to repair, so take extra precautions to properly protect them when storing.If you remember these tips for protecting your picture frames, you will never have the disappointment of a damaged frame or picture. Keep these tips in mind and you will have picture frames that retain their beauty and look good for many years.