Frame Repair & Restoration
Over time, picture frames can loosen, break, or become structurally weak. In our Port Townsend workshop, we repair and stabilize frames so artwork can continue to be safely displayed.
Some repairs are simple, such as replacing broken glass or reinforcing loose corners. Others require more careful work to restore an older frame while preserving its character.
When possible, we repair original frames so they can continue protecting the artwork they hold.
Preserving Fragile or Historic Frames
Sometimes the original frame becomes too fragile to safely support the artwork. Wood mouldings can dry out, split, or lose their structural strength over time.
When repair alone is not enough, we may preserve the original frame by mounting it inside a custom shadowbox frame. This allows the historic frame to remain part of the presentation while the artwork is safely supported by a new structure built to last..
Repair Project Timing
Frame repairs are typically completed alongside our custom framing projects. Because each repair requires careful hand work, timing can vary depending on the condition of the frame and our current workshop schedule.
We are always happy to evaluate a frame and discuss the best options for repair or preservation.
Have a Frame That Needs Repair?
If you have a damaged or aging frame, bring it by the shop and we’ll be happy to take a look. In many cases frames can be repaired or stabilized so the artwork can continue to be displayed safely.
Each repair project requires careful hand work. These examples show frame repairs and restoration work completed in our Port Townsend workshop.
Common Frame Repairs
• Loose or separated frame corners
• Broken or missing glass
• Damaged backing materials
• Replacing worn hanging hardware
• Stabilizing aging mouldings
• Reinforcing fragile frames when possible
When Frames Cannot Be Repaired
Not every frame can be safely repaired.
Some mouldings become too brittle or damaged to support artwork safely. Metal frames, severely cracked wood frames, or mouldings with missing structural sections may not be repairable.
When this happens we will recommend alternatives such as building a new frame or preserving the original frame inside a custom shadowbox presentation.
• severely cracked or split wood
• extremely brittle or dry mouldings
• bent or damaged metal frames
• frames with missing structural sections
When a frame cannot be repaired safely, we often recommend building a new frame or creating a custom shadowbox that preserves the original frame as part of the display.
Frame Repair & Restoration Projects
