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Six ways to care for framed photos: light, dust and secure hanging

Reduce fading, dust and hanging risks by caring for both the photo and its frame. Consider displaying a copy when the original matters.

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Wikimedia Commons · Sowmiya Thangavel / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0; original unmodified. File: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Photo_frame.jpg · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Framing affects more than decoration: light, mounting materials and wall anchors can affect the object. The US National Archives recommends displaying copies instead of irreplaceable originals. IKEA's RÖDALM frame uses a plastic front and calls for cleaning with a duster. Antique, glass-front and specialty frames may need different care.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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1. Decide whether the image on display is an original or a copy. Keep irreplaceable family photographs or important prints safely stored and frame a reproduction to reduce risks from light exposure.
2. Avoid direct sunlight, heaters and spots prone to leaks or condensation. Prolonged light can fade and darken photographs; consider shade and UV-filtering glazing when appropriate.
3. Identify the frame's front material. Some frames, including IKEA RÖDALM, have polystyrene plastic rather than glass. Do not assume ordinary glass cleaners are suitable; follow the product's instructions.
4. Gently remove surface dust with a soft duster. IKEA specifies dusting for RÖDALM. Avoid introducing moisture into the frame edges, photograph or paper mount.
5. Choose wall fasteners that suit both the wall material and frame weight. IKEA notes that different wall materials require different fixing hardware. Check attachment security and avoid vulnerable locations such as over a child's bed.
6. Periodically inspect for loose fittings, dust, moisture behind the backing and any changes to the photo. Reduce light and dampness if damage appears; consult a conservator for valuable original photographs.

IKEA KoreaRÖDALM frame, black, 40x50 cm ↗Official Korea listing: polystyrene front, fibreboard/paper foil frame, dust-clean only and wall-material-specific fixings. Image used is NOT an IKEA product.US National ArchivesHow to Preserve Family Archives (papers and photographs): Displaying ↗Official preservation advice: display copies rather than originals, limit light, use UV-filtering glazing and suitable photo-safe mats.National Film and Sound Archive of AustraliaHow to care for photographs at home ↗Avoid direct sunlight and temperature/moisture sources; handle photos by edges and limit light exposure.Wikimedia CommonsFile:Photo frame.jpg ↗Original photo by Sowmiya Thangavel licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. It shows decorative frames, unrelated to the manufacturer example.Wikimedia CommonsCommons:Reusing content outside Wikimedia/technical ↗Official policy permits direct display (hotlinking) with file-specific license and author attribution requirements.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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