Let’s say you got yourself a fragile picture, like an original artwork or old photograph. You may not want to remove it from the protective casing of the frame but you wish the frame had the luster and color treating it once had, so you do what you must. Carefully remove the work and place it on a dry, acid-free surface, meaning you get specialty paper or plastic to protect it from oils and water damage. Then you can work on the frame.

A lot of frames will fade with age. You can spruce them up without necessarily ruining anything. Start by taking a small brush, like a fine paintbrush, and use it to clean out any dust the frame has been gathering. Detailed gilt or wooden picture frames may require a little effort on your part to get into the little grooves and crevices. Antique frames and antique-style frames need to be treated carefully. For metal frames you will want to take a little bit of all natural beeswax and polish it lightly to restore some of the shine. If there is damage, do not do this, just continue to brush it lightly.

Wooden frames may need to be recoated with wood stain to give them that rich color you once adored about it. Make sure you buy a matching color. Basic frames can have the top layer sanded off gently but the more complex the design, the higher the chance you’re going to ruin the pattern. Properly stir the stain and layer it on with an old rag. Spread it evenly around the frame.

Take good care of your picture frames. They will last a long time if you do.