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.

Ever notice how vintage prints look nicer in wooden frames? Mixing a classic print with a classic encasing just works. There is a level of consistency there that keeps viewers calm. When I choose a piece of art to frame I take into consideration the type of artwork it is (painting, drawn, modern, traditional) and the  room in which it will be placed. From there I can make an informed decision on just exactly how I think it should be framed and with what materials. It depends on the individual pieces, but I tend to notice that modern art looks great with a mounted canvas or in metallic picture frames, whereas vintage prints look much more refined in wooden picture frames.

When you choose a wooden frame it should coincide with the architecture of the room and the furniture. Oak, mahogany, cedar- what kind of wood features does your room already contain? Take these elements and repeat them by choosing frames that match. Painted or dark stained wooden frames create consistency with the rest of the room. They will look like they have always been there and belong there, not as implants to an already decorated room.

The frame is just as important as the art or photo it holds. Do not underestimate the power it holds as a piece of decor.