How to Hang Your Artwork?

• Hang artwork centered at eye level. You view some pictures primarily while standing (such as in a hallway or kitchen), others primarily while sitting (dining room or family room). Hang artwork accordingly at "sitting" or "standing eye" level. While this won't be possible in every situation, it's a good guideline to keep in mind.
• Never hang artwork in direct sunlight. Even with protective UV-blocking glass, prolonged exposure can fade images.
• Don’t hang artwork above sources of heat. Temperature swings can cause condensation to form inside a frame, damaging the image.
• Position artwork within 4 to 8 in. above the back of the sofa. This distance can be even less when hanging pictures over desks, chests and sideboards.
• Plan before you hang. Make a newspaper template of your picture and tape it to the wall before you install hangers. If you have multiple pictures, try different arrangements on the floor before hanging them.
• Treat groupings like an individual picture. Groupings should follow the same guidelines as individual pictures: the group should be centered over pieces of furniture and at eye level.
• Space them right. One rule of thumb says picture should not be hung more than the width of a hand apart.
• Light them right. Too much light creates glare and wash-out, so illuminate artwork at the lowest level possible for enjoyment. Incandescent and halogen light is less harmful to artwork than fluorescent light.
• All frames except for those with sawtooth hangers or ones hung from ceiling mouldings should be hung with picture hooks. Hanging from a nail allows the frame to more easily shift from level and increases the danger that the frame being knocked off the wall. Use the right hangers. On pictures exceeding 8 x 10 in., use two hooks for stability. Dabs of mounting putty on the lower corners keep the piece hanging straight.

How to Clean Your Frames?

Wood finish frames may be cleaned with a gentle furniture dusting product like Endust and 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. Glass may be cleaned with glass cleaner and either cloth or paper. Plexiglas should be cleaned only with a soft cloth and Plexiglas cleaner. When you spray cleaners, be careful the rundown doesn't stain the mat or artwork.

The inside of the frame glass should be cleaned and checked at least every 3-5 years. Yes, the frame must be disassembled. This procedure allows you to also check the condition of the hinging of the artwork, mats, the tightness of the corners of the frame, etc.