No home is complete without a little splash of creativity, and there’s no better way to express your taste than having some art on the wall. Whether you are into paintings, prints, or photos, the right frame can really make or break the execution and determine how a piece sits in your home.
However, every now and again- something that is meant to bring beauty into the home is starting to drag you down. There’s nothing artsy about dusty frames that haven’t been taken care of. If your frames are looking a little worse for wear, don't worry, with just a few simple steps you can have them looking like new in no time.
First, gather your materials, you will need: all-purpose spray, glass cleaner, and a clean, lint-free cloth. As a bonus, you might want to grab an extra nail brush for certain frames. More on this later.
What Type of Frame Do You Have?
Frames With Glass Fronts
If there is glass on the front of the frame protecting the piece, the best course of action is to spray glass cleaner on your cloth (never directly onto a frame). Be careful not to put too much pressure on the glass. Wipe dry in a circular motion until the glass is dry. To clean the frame on a glass-fronted piece, cover the damp cloth over one finger and run along the inside and then the outside of the frame. Done!
Frames With Texture
Simpler textured frames can be cleaned with a lambswool or feather duster, followed by a wipe with a clean cloth, dampened with a mild cleaner. Be careful not to touch the canvas with anything other than a clean, soft duster. For more intricate or heavily textured frames, you may have to get in there with a brush to loosen any dirt or dust in those ornate crevices.
If there’s no way to clean a frame without protecting the piece, you may have to remove the art completely in order to properly clean it. Make sure you keep it in a safe dry place while you clean the frame.
BTW: This all-purpose cleaner is safe to use on any surface not harmed by water, so whether you have a wooden frame, or something metal, modern, or gilt, you should be OK to use it. Go slowly, don’t spray directly and be careful not to over-wet the frame or canvas.
