Caring for your picture frames.
Here’s a few helpful tips for hanging and caring for your picture frames…
Heat & damp.
Avoid hanging picture frames above radiators and in extremely sunny spots, as rapid changes in temperature can cause paper and wood to dry out, and adhesives to fail.
It is always best to avoid hanging framed pictures in humid conditions. Damp can cause paper-based work to ripple and if the ripples touch the glass, the artwork might stick and be hard to remove.
Damp also encourages fungal growth which is likely to show as brown stains. Conservation framing can slow these effects.
Allow six months before hanging picture frames on newly plastered walls
Display & hanging.
Most artworks are designed to be viewed at eye-level; this is also known as the two thirds rule.
When hanging your picture frame, aim for your eye-level to land approximately two thirds into the image (so that two thirds of the artwork is below your eye-level).
Groupings of pictures don’t need to be hung in a symmetrical fashion, but they should follow some sort of overall design to give a balanced feel. Try arranging them on the floor first, to decide what you like first.
Use two hooks on the wall to hang your picture frame; each set about a quarter of the way in from either side of the picture. For heavy pictures, a screw and plug will be more secure.
Cleaning & handling.
Regularly dust your picture frames or treat with a very soft brush, rather than risk applying water or cleaning fluids.
Don't use cleaning fluids or water on the varnished surface of an oil painting; only dust carefully.
If you choose to use a cleaning fluid on the glass of your picture frame, apply the fluid to a cloth first and take care not to let the fluid touch the frame or run down the glass into the frame.
Always handle a frame with two hands, one either side of the frame. When storing or stacking frames, stand them upright, face-to-face and back-to-back. This prevents the hangers from scratching and damaging the frames and glass.
Check your frames regularly.
We recommend checking your picture frames every year or so, to ensure they’re in good condition and that your artwork is still well cared for.
Keep an eye out for discolouration, small brown dots and spotting, small insects under the glass, or loosening cord.
Oil paintings stretched over wooden bars may naturally sag over time and the bars can make a slight imprint on the front of the canvas.
These are all issues that need remedying to ensure your artwork doesn’t become damaged overtime. We’re happy for you to return with your JoiN frames for maintenance.