Cleaning 60 year old wood picture frames
#1
08-18-19, 10:35 AM
Cleaning 60 year old wood picture frames
Sixty years ago I had 5 Japanese woodblock prints framed in simple unfinished wood.
For the last 25 years they have hung in a large bathroom and have darkened. Is it dirt or moisture or a combination of the two? The four frame sides outer edges have not darkened anywhere near as much. Any recommendations on how to clean or restore these frames and how I might protect them going forward greatly appreciated!
For the last 25 years they have hung in a large bathroom and have darkened. Is it dirt or moisture or a combination of the two? The four frame sides outer edges have not darkened anywhere near as much. Any recommendations on how to clean or restore these frames and how I might protect them going forward greatly appreciated!
#2
08-18-19, 11:49 AM
While dirt/grime can be cleaned off for the most part, unfinished wood will discolor over time. You'd have to sand down to clean wood to return it back to the original color [and that doesn't always work] Once I got them to a condition I was ok with, I'd apply poly/varnish.
#3
08-19-19, 10:09 AM
wood prints
STOP If these are worth anything do not refinish them. That will only detract from their value.
As for cleaning without knowing what kind of wood it is only guessing. My guess is Murphy's Oil Soap try it on the back and a small space. To see if it will damage the wood.
As for cleaning without knowing what kind of wood it is only guessing. My guess is Murphy's Oil Soap try it on the back and a small space. To see if it will damage the wood.
