Choosing the right frame:

what your money buys.

You may think you want the cheapest frame but remember that low-cost framing can actually damage your picture.  Some art should be protected for future generations.

The Five Levels of Framing:

Museum - The ultimate protection for your artwork

Conservation - Helping preserve your artwork for future generations

Commended - Guarantees a degree of protection, with design playing an important part

Budget - Visually pleasing but offering no long term protection

Minimum - Putting economy first

Caring for your artwork at home:

Avoid Heat

Ideally pictures should not be hung above radiators.  Extreme or rapid changes in temperature can cause paper and wood to dry out and adhesives to fail.

Beware damp

Damp can cause pictures to ripple. If the ripples touch the glass, the picture might stick and be hard to remove. Damp also encourages fungal growth - likely to show as brown stains. Conservation framing can slow these effects, but it is always best to avoid hanging framed pictures in humid conditions. Allow six months before hanging pictures on newly plastered walls

Eye-level display

Remember most pictures are designed to be viewed at eye-level. When hanging a group of pictures of different sizes align the top edges. Groups of pictures need not be hung in symmetrical patterns, but they should follow some sort of overall design. Try arranging them on the floor first

Hang securely

A gentle clean

Dust frames or treat with a soft brush, rather than risk applying water or cleaning fluids. Don't use cleaning fluids or water on the varnished surface of oil paintings; again dust carefully. If cleaning fluids have to be used on the glass, apply them to a duster first (rather than spraying the glass directly); take care not to let the fluids touch the frame

Regular checks

If you find any evidence of discoloration, unsightly brown dots, small insects under the glass or that the brown paper tape sealing the back of the frame has come unstuck, return the frame to the framer. Check for corroding picture wire or weak or loosening cord. The varnish on oil paintings will gradually discolour, especially if the picture hangs in smoky or polluted conditions. It should be replaced as it dirties. Oil paintings stretched over wooden bars may sag over time and the bars can make a slight imprint on the front of the canvas. Take the picture to your framer for tightening or re-stretching. The Fine Art Trade Guild recommends inspection every five years

Out of the light

Try not to hang pictures directly opposite large windows as sunlight fades colours and discolours paper. Special UV-coated glass can help to slow this down. The Fine Art Trade Guild has set industry-wide standards for printing and framing materials. Ask us about the ways in which you can preserve your artwork for the long-term

Handle with care

When carrying and transporting a picture, grasp the frame firmly on both sides. If you have to store pictures, make sure they are stacked vertically and the right way up. When stacking pictures, stand them 'glass to glass' so that the hangers do not damage the frames

Ask a professional

Caring for you and your artwork