4 Tips to Help Prevent Photo and Picture Frame Damage

If you want to continue to enjoy your photo and picture frame for years, it's important to know how to protect it from permanent damage. 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 is to protect your pictures until it's sadly too late. With these few important tips you can keep your frame and picture looking good for years.

Avoid Your Picture Frame From Getting Direct Sunlight

We all know the damage the sun can do to our skin, and unfortunately our favorite 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 would be to make a copy of your special photo so if the picture is damaged by sunlight you still have a good photo.The second thing you should do is use UV glass or UV acrylic which will dramatically reduce the UV exposure on your photo. Although your picture will be protected, your frame may still fade in the direct sunlight. Some of the frames most sensitive to fading are ones made out of natural materials like fabric, paper and wood picture frames. You should also be careful with stained or colored frames like red, green or blue picture frames.

Avoid Moisture

We all know about moisture damage caused by flooding, but have you considered damage caused by steam? Pictures and picture frames are 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 your photos in these high risk areas, be sure you have extra copies made of your important photos and only display them in an aluminum metal picture frame so it can't be ruined 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 in the air in the form of humidity. When the temperature outside the frame differs from that on the inside, moisture builds. If there is a sealed back on your picture frame, there is no way for the moisture to escape so it is absorbed by your photo.

If you live in a climate with high humidity, you should consider getting some spacers or mats so your pictures will never get stuck to the glass. When a picture touches the glass continuously in high humidity, the picture can stick to the glass and be permanently damaged. Spacers or mats keep the glass from resting on the picture and gives the picture some room to breathe.

Use Caution with Spray Cleaners

This 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 Tips

Another 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.

By remembering these tips you can protect your picture frames and special photos so you'll never have the disappointment of ruining something you love. Remember these tips and you'll have picture frames and photos that look beautiful for many years to come.

About The Author Autumn Lockwood is a writer for YourPictureFrames.com and loves taking pictures. Your Picture Frames offers a large selection of photo frames in a variety of finishes, colors, styles and colors. Come check out our large selection of sizes like our 8 x 10 picture frames or call us toll free at 1-800-780-0699.