The following fitting and frame care tips are courtesy of our publication, ANTIQUE AMERICAN FRAMES IDENTIFICATION and PRICE GUIDE by Eli Wilner with Mervyn Kaufman, published by Avon Books in 1995. You may order a copy of this book from Our Company Store.

When fitting artwork into a frame, it is important to separate the art from the rabbet, that channel at a frame's inner edge into which the artwork fits. You can do this with a strip of felt secured with a nonacidic glue. It will keep the rabbet's sharp edge from creasing the edge of the canvas, for example. Don't forget that like paper, wood will burn the artwork. Separating frame and painting is like an additional ounce of protection. You should also make sure the painting rests in the frame securely. Any shifting around means additional unwanted friction that erodes the surface of the work.

Always use brackets or picture hooks; don't just hammer nails into walls. And make sure the hardware will support weight that is heavier, rather than lighter than your frame. Don't underaccessorize the hanging capacity of your frame. When installing a D-ring, make a point of putting it into the outermost section of the frame; this is usually the thickest and strongest part. Be sure to note the thickness of the frame before putting screws in; you won't want to drive a hole all the way through the frame. Most important, you'll want to make sure the hardware can support the frame and whatever you mount within it. Use four D-rings if you are unsure whether two or three will do. And always check the hardware yourself to make sure it is firm - even if the frame has been shipped to you by a gallery or dealer.

Here are other points to keep in mind while working on your frame:

• Always wear white cotton gloves. The acids that accumulate in the palms of your hands can damage gilded surfaces.
• Never attempt to clean a frame using a water saturated cloth. It will make the gold leaf come off.
• If you do any touching up yourself, avoid using liquid gold paint over the real thing, which comes in ultrathin sheets. This gold paint will blacken with age. Our Company Store can provide you with actual gold and silver leaf tablets which can be applied with a moistened brush for spot touch ups.
• You can touch up areas where minor chipping has occurred by brushing on watercolors, hand mixed to match.
• Never use touch-up crayons, such as those made for hiding scratches on furniture. As these and other wax-based materials never dry completely, it is almost impossible for whatever finish is applied to adhere properly.
• You can clean a plain carved wood frame the way you would a gilded one; just don't soak it. And, as with a gilded frame, confirm its quality with a museum curator before you even think of touching it, or you can Contact Us for a restoration quote.