Caring For Your Framed Ad

We've had framed advertisements on display in our home for many years. Each ad, whether big or small, black/white or color, very-old or "modern", looks as good as the day I carefully removed it from the magazine. It's super-important to me that these great ads are preserved. I believe they can last forever if you're mindful about caring for them. I certainly take steps with my framing to ensure longevity - like using acid-free materials. 

Here's a few important notes to help your frame stay sparkling, and ultimately, how to make sure your ad is preserved - for history and for you to fully enjoy. 

Displaying: 

Even though the glass I use offers a high percentage of UV-protection, you should never display your framed ad where it'll be exposed to direct sunlight. In my mind, no glass can prevent fading. Please seriously consider where you hang your frame! As tempting as it may be to hang your frame in a prime place - that may not be the best place for it... 

Besides keeping your frame out of the sun, it's a best practice to avoid hanging it on exterior walls. That is, walls in close proximity to the outside environment. Also, try to avoid hanging close to windows that you open. The weather conditions outside, such as damp, rainy and/or humid days can have various adverse effects on the paper, so keeping your frame as far away from the outdoors is recommended. I find the safest, best place to hang your frames is on interior walls. Also, the bathroom isn't the best place for your framed ad to live. 

Again, just be highly-conscious of the fact that your ad is a unique, original page. The "quality" of the paper, the printing technique, and publishing process varies. It's best to assume your original page is susceptible to the elements, especially direct sunlight and high humidity. Error on the side of caution. Please do your best to avoid natural light on your frame. And also, monitor the room temperature and humidity level. Depending where you live, a dehumidifier might be necessary/helpful. 

Handling: 

When handling your frame, do your best to hold it "from the back" gripping the hanging wire. Try not to touch the front of frame, so you don't get fingerprints on it. Also, try to avoid touching the glass. Again, so you don't get smudges and/or fingerprints on it.

Also, be mindful your frame can scratch, dent, and/or chip. Please be careful with your frame, so it always looks as good as it did when you unwrapped it and looked at it for the first time. 

Cleaning:

Usually the top and lower "ledge" of frame gathers dust. Definitely dust your frame regularly with a soft, dry cloth. 

If you need to clean the glass, I recommend using a Microfiber cloth. If necessary, you can "dampen" a small area of the cloth with the slightest, trace amount of water. A drop of water on your cloth goes a long way to remove spots, smudges, fingerprints. I never "spray" the glass with water or any cleaning agent. Again, I find just a Microfiber cloth with a few drops of water does the trick. 

Storing:

If you're storing or transporting your frame, I recommend securely wrapping it in foam and/or bubblewrap. Again, you want to prevent it from being scratched and/or dinged. Obviously, keep it in a dry place where the temperature is "normal."

If you have any questions about taking care of your frame, you can always reach out to me directly.