We recommend brillianize (www.brillianize.com). It cleans acrylic, kills static charges, and leaves the surface smooth and dust resistant. Never use cleaners with alcohol or ammonia. Learn More...
Acrylic is sensitive to scratching. Crafties Microfiber Smooth Towel (www.crafties.com) combines microfiber cleaning technology with a chamois. It safely pulls dust smudges off acrylic without scratching the surface.
To avoid damage to the picture frame, mat and art, never spray cleaner directly onto the glazing surface.
Window cleaners with vinegar or vinegar-D are recommended for glass, and tests show they are safe for conservation glass. Avoid any cleaner that contains pumice, waxes, or harsh detergents.
Wood frames may be cleaned with a gentle furniture dusting product applied to a soft cloth. Gold or silver leafed frames should be dusted with a dry soft cloth. Metal frames may be cleaned with a glass cleaner applied to a soft cloth.
Dust unprotected paintings every 4 to 6 months with soft, white-bristle Japanese brushes, sable (such as a typical makeup brush), or badger-hair brushes. Avoid using pesticides, foggers, air fresheners, or furniture sprays near paintings. Remove paintings from a room before painting, plastering, or steam cleaning carpets or wallpaper.
Picture frames need to be protected from heat and humidity. Avoid areas of high humidity (bathrooms) and areas over a heat source (heat register). High levels of humidity and temperature can cause mold growth, reddish brown blotches called foxing and condensation in picture frames. Learn More...
Although a fireplace is often a room's focal point, a painting displayed above a mantel will be exposed to soot, heat, and environmental extremes.
It is best to exhibit paintings on dividing walls within a building rather than on perimeter walls where temperature fluctuations will be greater and condensation can orrur. If paintings are placed on uninsulated exterior walls, it may help to place small rubber spacers on the back of the frame to increase air circulation.
Use incandescent bulbs to light paintings. Incandescent lights have only 4% of their rays in the damaging UV range. Fluorescent and halogen bulbs, along with sunlight, emit high levels of ultraviolet light.
The side of the glass on the inside of the picture frame should be cleaned and checked at least every 3-5 years. The frame must be disassembled to accomplish this cleaning. This procedure allows for checking the condition of the hinging of the artwork, mats, and the tightness of the corners of the frame.