How to Protect Your Picture Frames?
Protecting memories is one of the best aspects of getting a photo or a piece of memorabilia framed for hanging on the wall or sitting on a nice shelf. The big problem is that once it’s put up, and if it’s a one-of-a-kind piece of work, then that must be protected. This doesn’t mean just the picture or memorabilia needs to be protected, but also the frame, so that it can last many years and continue its job protecting what it is inside it. For those looking for a “picture framer near me”, something they need to know beforehand, and after getting that new frame is how to protect their picture frames once it’s up and on display.
Why Get a Picture Frame in the First Place?
A question some people ask before they put up their pictures or artwork is why a picture frame is even needed in the first place. If the picture is truly unique, such as having a signature, or the person wants to keep it looking great for years, then a picture frame is a great investment. It protects a picture from the environment around it, whether it is light (UV rated glass), dust, dirt, household accidents, cleaning products, fingerprints, etc. Keeping a picture in a frame is like putting a helmet on when biking; it’s not always needed, but it’s extremely helpful when an accident happens. Any “picture framer near me” would be glad to work with a person to help them protect their cherished memories.
Protecting Picture Frames
While the picture frame is protection for a picture, it itself isn’t immune to the environment around it. With proper care however, it can last for decades without damage, and keep protecting pictures and displaying them in an artistic way in any home.
Protection Tip #1 – Avoid Direct Sunlight
While many picture frames use UV light protection technology in their glass to protect the picture inside, the frame itself may not have adequate UV protection. UV protected paints cost a lot more, and even they can break down over time, especially if they are subjected to other environmental hazards. So, for anyone using a picture frame to protect their pictures, a “picture framer near me” would most likely recommend keeping it out of direct sunlight whenever possible.
Protection Tip #2 – Controlling Moisture Levels
Many places around the nation have dry environments, while others have humid ones. No matter where a person is situated, they may have to be wary about the moisture levels around frames in pictures. In dry areas, humidifiers are often used to bring relative humidity levels back up to a comfortable level, but if those are placed in a room directly below a picture frame, it could cause damage to the frame. Conversely, in humid areas, if a dehumidifier isn’t used in a home for maintaining comfortable levels, the extra humidity there could also do the same damage. In both cases, there is also a risk of mold forming on, or behind a picture frame that is subjected to high levels of humidity in the air.
Protection Tip #3 – Careful Use Cleaning Products
When a person gets a picture framer to make a custom frame for their pictures, they should always ask what the best products for cleaning the frame and the glass are. Using just any household product, could be damaging to the frame itself. Along the same lines, a person cleaning a home needs to be cognizant of overspray of cleaning products when around picture frames, as to not damage them.
Protection Tip #4 – Bubble Wrap when Transporting
Moving homes is something most people are going to have to do at some point in their life, and if they have a framed picture, it’s important that they don’t damage it. Covering a frame in cardboard is a good idea, but for that extra level of protection, bubble wrap or some form of packing foam is ideal. Moving doesn’t have to mean damage to your possessions if you carefully label everything and make the proper preparations.
Protecting picture frames is a must for those looking to get a professional frame after searching for “picture framer near me.” Taking the right protective steps means better protection for pictures, and decades of a beautiful frame protecting memories.