Material
Picture frame
Identify the finish before cleaning a frame. Gilding, gesso, exposed timber, painted mouldings and laminated board have different tolerances. Without that identification, contain a spill without rubbing and seek a framer or conservator for a remaining stain. Keep liquid away from the artwork.
- WashingSpot only
- Colour run riskMedium
- Reviewed6 October 2026
What picture frame can and cannot take
- Heat Not established
- Water and soaking Not established
- Acids, including vinegar Not established
- Strong alkalis Not established
- Solvents Not established
- Chlorine bleach Not established
- Abrasives Avoid
Always test on a hidden area first and let it dry before you treat the visible mark.
General rules for picture frame
Identify the finish before cleaning a frame. Gilding, gesso, exposed timber, painted mouldings and laminated board have different tolerances. Without that identification, contain a spill without rubbing and seek a framer or conservator for a remaining stain. Keep liquid away from the artwork.
Check the label
Identify the finish before cleaning a frame. Gilding, gesso, exposed timber, painted mouldings and laminated board have different tolerances. Without that identification, contain a spill without rubbing and seek a framer or conservator for a remaining stain. Keep liquid away from the artwork.
Stains on picture frame
- Body oil Blot loose surface oil from picture frame only if the surface is stable and it can be touched without damage....
- Breast milk Touch a clean absorbent corner to free liquid only where this does not press on flaking paint, gilding, ink o...
- Coffee Remove only free surface coffee from picture frame without rubbing or adding liquid. A dried or absorbed mark...
- Hair dye Blot Picture Frame dry without rubbing or adding household cleaner. Keep the dye box and ask the appropriate...
- Nail polish Keep the affected face untouched. Do not blot, scrape, rub or test water or solvent on an image or unidentifi...
Identify the finish before cleaning a frame. Gilding, gesso, exposed timber, painted mouldings and laminated board have different tolerances. Without that identification, contain a spill without rubbing and seek a framer or conservator for a remaining stain. Keep liquid away from the artwork.
Unknown chemical tolerances remain unknown. Use the maker instructions for the actual finish. A remaining mark is a reason to seek advice, rather than increase strength or pressure.
Sources
What we checked and when. Where a manufacturer instruction disagrees with anything here, follow the manufacturer.
-
Smithsonian American Art Museum, frame conservation
authority
Frames undergo technical examination of surface and structure before specialist cleaning and repairs. A single general chemical tolerance cannot be assigned to mixed historic finishes.
Checked 6 October 2026
-
Institute of Conservation, frames and gilding resource
trade body
Provides access to frame conservation guidance and a qualified-conservator directory. The linked PDF could not be read in this session; it is not used as evidence for a chemical cleaning recipe.
Checked 6 October 2026