Caring for Your Custom Frames Over Time
Like any meaningful investment, your custom frames deserve care over time to keep them looking beautiful and performing their protective role. A custom frame does more than enhance the look of your artwork—it completes the piece and makes it part of your home’s design. Frames bring cohesion to your walls, elevate everyday spaces, and, just as importantly, protect what you love.
We believe that preservation and style go hand in hand. Details you may never notice at first glance—like fillets, spacers, and glazing—are what ensure your artwork looks stunning and stays protected. When all these details come together, they form a complete framing solution that balances aesthetics and preservation. With a little care over time, your custom frames will continue to shine for years to come.
Keep Frames Out of Direct Sunlight
Natural light makes a room feel open and inviting, but it can be tough on art and frames. UV rays fade pigments, discolor mats, and weaken materials. If you’re curating a gallery wall in a sunlit living room, be thoughtful about placement—or choose UV-protective glazing to enjoy the light without sacrificing your art.
Our top recommendation is Optium Museum Acrylic® by Tru Vue, which is trusted by the world’s most renowned museums.
Control Temperature and Humidity
The environment around your art is just as important as the design of the frame itself. Excess humidity can warp wood mouldings or encourage mold growth, while dry heat can cause cracking. For art displayed in bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways, stable household conditions are usually fine. If you wish to display the artwork in basements, bathrooms, or kitchens, the expertise of a custom framer can help ensure your framed artwork is protected in those environments.
Dust Gently and Regularly
Frames, like furniture, benefit from routine dusting. A soft microfiber cloth or feather duster will keep them clean without scratching delicate finishes. If your home leans toward ornate, gilded, or textured frames, use a small artist’s brush to get into the details. Avoid household sprays or cleaners—design-forward materials deserve a gentle touch.
Handle with Care
Whether you’re rehanging a gallery wall or rearranging a space for a seasonal refresh, handle framed artwork carefully. Always hold by the sides of the frame, never the hanging wire or top edge, to avoid strain on the joints. For oversized statement pieces, enlist a second set of hands. It keeps the frame secure and preserves your wall display.
If you’re unsure about rehanging, arranging a gallery wall, or working with oversized or heavy pieces, Capricorn Framing also offers professional art hanging services. Our team ensures that every piece is securely mounted, level, and thoughtfully placed to complement your space. It’s an extra layer of care that protects your investment and makes your walls look effortlessly curated.
Check Hanging Hardware
A frame’s beauty depends on how securely it hangs. Over time, wires and brackets can loosen. A quick check when dusting or moving furniture ensures your artwork stays exactly where it belongs. This small step can save you from costly accidents and keep your space polished.
Professional Maintenance When Needed
Frames are designed to last, but sometimes they need a refresh. Mats may need replacing if they discolor, glazing can scratch, or backing materials may loosen over the years. We provide professional maintenance and repair at Capricorn Framing, so your artwork continues to look as good as the day it was framed. Think of it as a tune-up for your collection, keeping it both stylish and secure.
Caring for Your Custom Frames — A Lasting Investment
Caring for your frames is about more than preservation—it’s about maintaining the harmony custom framing brings to your home. With mindful upkeep and occasional professional support, your framed pieces will remain timeless focal points in your living space.
When it comes to displaying them, remember that Capricorn Framing can also help with art hanging services, ensuring your walls reflect your style with precision and care.