When your frame arrives home, it comes with a card of instructions. But let us go into more detail, because a few simple decisions about where to hang it and how to clean it make all the difference to how long the flowers last.
The number one enemy: direct sunlight
All pressed flowers, even the most carefully preserved, fade with prolonged exposure to UV light. It is inevitable; it is the nature of the material.
This is why we use UltraVue® anti-UV museum glass in all our frames. This glass blocks up to 99% of UV rays, the same standard used in museums to protect works of art. It is also anti-reflective, which means the colours of the flowers are more visible and the frame does not create distracting glare on the wall.
But the glass cannot work miracles on its own. Avoid placing the frame:
- Directly opposite windows with morning or afternoon sun
- On walls that receive direct sunlight for several hours
- Under halogen spotlights pointed directly at the frame
Indirect and diffused light is always the best option.
Humidity: the right balance
Pressed flowers are sensitive to humidity extremes.
- Very high humidity (bathrooms, kitchens) can cause the petals to absorb moisture and lose their shape
- Very low humidity (near radiators or intense central heating) can make the finest petals brittle
Most rooms in the home have ideal conditions. The living room, bedroom, and hallway are all excellent locations.
Clearly avoid: bathrooms and kitchens.
Cleaning the glass
Museum glass has an anti-reflective treatment that is sensitive to harsh chemical products.
To clean:
- Use a soft, dry microfibre cloth
- If needed, dampen it slightly with water
- Never use cleaning products containing alcohol, acetone, or ammonia
- Clean with gentle movements, without pressure
The inside of the frame is sealed and does not require cleaning.
What to do if the frame falls
The frame is robust, but the museum glass can break if the frame falls from a considerable height.
If this happens:
- Do not try to open the frame yourself as the flowers can be damaged by sudden exposure to air
- Contact us: depending on the condition of the flowers, we may be able to reframe them
- Keep all fragments in a closed box while you wait to contact us
Quick summary
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Indirect and diffused light | Direct sunlight |
| Normal household temperature and humidity | Bathrooms and kitchens |
| Clean glass with dry microfibre | Chemical products on the glass |
| Secure wall fixing | Locations with frequent vibrations |
An artwork that lasts decades
With these simple steps, your frame can last 50 years or more without losing its beauty. There are botanical frames from the 19th century in museums that remain intact.
This is what pressed flowers are for: not to last a week in a vase, but to cross generations.
Still have questions about caring for your frame? Talk to us on WhatsApp.
