When You Need Support After Collection or Delivery
Once a frame is home, small questions can come up. A hanging point may not line up with your wall hooks, a mirror may need a stronger fixing, or a canvas could settle slightly after transport. Our aftercare support is there to help with these everyday issues, whether your piece is in Parkhurst, Pretoria, Midrand, Sandton, Rosebank, Cape Town or Durban.
If you notice anything unusual, check the piece in good light and note what you are seeing. For example, a frame that looks slightly out of square, a mount that needs a clean edge, or glass that has picked up condensation in a coastal home. The sooner we hear from you, the easier it is to advise on the next step.
- Check the hanging wire, hooks or cleats before moving the piece
- Keep the frame upright when transporting it again
- Avoid placing framed items near steam, direct sun or open windows
- For galleries, note the room number and wall position when reporting a fault
Simple Hanging Checks Before You Call Us
Many support queries can be sorted with a quick check at home or in the gallery. Make sure the wall fixings suit the weight of the frame and that the wall surface is sound. Plasterboard, brick and tiled walls all need different fittings, and a heavy mirror should never be hung on a weak hook. If you are unsure, stop there and ask for advice rather than risk a fall.
For artworks hung in Johannesburg offices or coastal homes in Durban and Cape Town, changes in humidity and temperature can loosen fittings over time. A frame that was level last week may need a small adjustment after a load-shedding cycle, or after the air con has been running hard. That is normal, but it should be corrected properly.
- Use a spirit level to see if the piece has shifted
- Check that all hooks sit firmly in the wall
- Look for rubbing marks on the wall behind the frame
- Confirm that the hanging wire is not frayed or twisted
Reframing Queries and Upgrade Advice
Sometimes a customer wants a fresh look for a beloved print, certificate, photograph or artwork. We can help with reframing queries, from changing the colour of the moulding to replacing tired backing materials or updating the glass. If the artwork is valuable or sentimental, we will talk through the safest approach before anything is touched.
Reframing is often needed when a piece has been in the same frame for years, or when a room has changed style. A gallery wall may need a slimmer profile, while a family portrait may suit a warmer timber tone. Pieter and Ayesha guide these decisions with practical input, and they will also flag when the original frame is still the best option.
- Bring the piece in if the mount is stained, warped or faded
- Ask about UV protection for sunny rooms and display areas
- Use reframing to match new décor, not just to replace damaged parts
- For older items, request a check on backing, sealing and corner stability
Caring for Frames in South African Conditions
South African homes and workspaces can be hard on frames. Coastal humidity, dust, strong summer sun and temperature changes all affect timber, mounts and glass. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, dust can collect quickly on ledges and within grooves. In Durban, moisture can affect paper and backing boards if the room is not well ventilated. In Cape Town, bright light near windows can fade artwork over time.
For long term care, dust the frame gently with a soft dry cloth and avoid harsh cleaners. Never spray liquid directly onto the glass or onto a mirror frame. If you have a framed item in a kitchen, bathroom or hallway, inspect it every few months. Small checks now save bigger repairs later, and they keep the piece looking sharp for longer.
- Keep framed items out of direct sunlight where possible
- Do not use abrasive cloths or strong household chemicals
- Watch for signs of moisture, mould or warping
- Rotate art in bright rooms if the exposure is high
Frame Repairs, Glass Replacement and Minor Fixes
If a corner loosens, a backing shifts, or the glass cracks, do not keep using the piece as normal. Bring it in for assessment so we can decide whether the frame needs repair, a new mount, replacement glass or full reframing. A small chip can sometimes be fixed quickly, but if the structure has been damaged, it is better to address the whole item properly.
Our studio team handles these jobs with care because each piece is different. Some clients only need a new hanger or fresh glazing, while others need the frame stripped back and rebuilt. We will explain what is worth saving and what should be replaced, so you can make a proper decision and not spend money twice.
- Do not tape cracked glass or press damaged corners back into place
- Keep broken pieces away from children and pets
- Bring all loose parts with the artwork, including mounts and clips
- Ask for a check if the frame is making a rattling sound
How to Get Support from the Studio
Clients contact us through the enquiry form on our contact page and we reply with the next steps. When you write in, include the size of the frame if you know it, the type of issue, and whether the piece is a print, canvas, mirror or original artwork. A photo helps too, especially when the problem is a hanging concern or a visible mark.
For collection and delivery requests, tell us the suburb and whether the item is already wrapped or still on the wall. We support homes, galleries and businesses across Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand, Sandton, Rosebank, Cape Town and Durban, and we can advise on the safest way to move the piece. If it needs to stay on the wall for now, we will tell you what to check before we arrive.
Clear information speeds things up and helps us give better advice first time round.
