We are occasionally asked if we can fit Customer's new photos framed into some old picture frames they may have. The answer is yes, but this is conditional to the quality, soundness 
and suitability of the picture frame to be re-used. To begin with, the picture frame, or photo frames being considered for recycling should be sound, solid, free from borers or other insect infestation. Its corners should be unsprung, that is, closed tightly without gaps or rocking or rolling. If any of the picture frame corners do move whilst being handled than the frame is said to to be "sprung". If so, it will then have to be dismantled and or disassembled rejoined, if the structural integrity is there.
If the corners are cracked or split then the picture frame might be unsalvageable. If the frame passes this test, the next step to consider is whether or not the colour, style and size will suit the intended artwork. If the frame is a black or deep brown and the intended artwork a delicate, dainty pale-coloured embroidery, then it is most probably unsuitable. This is because the dark brown is a prepotent shade which will overwhelm the intended focus of attention, the embroidery.
By the same token, if the frame is a sleek, modern silver and the intended artwork a verdant, old-world pastoral scenery, then, visually speaking, the reverse would happen. The visually inconspicuous silver frame would not have the weight and colour commensurate with the artwork and look incongruent and out of place. Again, we risk the same disharmony if too large a picture frame is fitted to petite art or too small a frame to large, florid art.
When all of these aspects are considered and the picture frame is indeed deemed suitable then there's no reason why the "old" or "pre-loved" picture frame should not be re-used. No professional picture framer should decline this task though we have heard of one of two "high street" picture framers who refuse to do this and only make brand new picture frames. If this should happen to you, we suggest you try another picture framer.
Naturally, re-using an existing picture frame will a customer money because the picture framing job will nod require the making of a new picture frame. In most case all that will be required are a new backing, glass and possibly, a mat. If the picture framing involves conservation and preservation of antique, historical or valuable art, then the inside of the frame, where the rebates are, may have to be sealed against acid migration.
Sometimes customers also bring in old glass as well as old frames and ask us to use the old glass again. However and in our experience, this isn't really worthwhile exercise. Unless the picture frame glass is of the very old, hand-drawn or cast glass, 19th century manufacture, then recycling old glass isn't economical. This is because old glass, even 10-year old glass, can be so full of seeds, scratches, chemical scars and insect droppings stains that it will be quicker and cheaper to fit new glass than to try and clean the old pane.
That said, and after having considered what's been written so far, there's no good reason why you shouldn't try to re-use or re-cycle old picture frames. This is even more so when that old photo frame or picture frame is something gifted or passed on to you by someone you cared or loved. Our web page Picture Framing Services details other, additional, special services we offer our customers. Thank you for reading this post "Can I have my new prints and photos framed into some old picture frames I have?".
That’s all very well to recommend recycling old picture frames but not every picture framer will accept old picture frames. In fact most picture frame stores will try to talk you out of it! They’ll say that old frames have borers or other insect infestations or that the old frame you want to re-use is wonky or no good or that it can’t be fixed. I found most ‘smart’, ‘fashionable’ and expensive frame shops won’t touch old frames. I finally found an older framer in Moorabbin who didn’t give me any of that rubbish and gladly accepts any work. So if you get knocked back in wanting to re-invent your grandparent’s ancient oval photo frame just keep on trying until you find a truly professional framer who will do your work and not just feed you bull****!
You can throw out old picture frame glass, but not very old picture frame glass. While old glass can be dirty stained, scratched and so pretty useless, very old glass is actually valuable. This is because art dealers and some auction houses pay a premium on this type of glass. This glazing was made from cast sheets of glass, rather than drawn or rolled. It often contains ‘seeds’ or bubbles and other impurities and surface imperfection and that’s how you can tell it apart form other glass panes. The other worthless old picture framing glass while dirty and scratched is still pretty straight and even. If you’re not sure, talk to a glazier or picture framer. The older tradespeople should be able to tell the difference.
We occasionally get customers coming into our workshop with old frames asking just this, can we re-use their old picture frame to put something new in it. Unfortunately, most of the times we have to say no because their photo frames or poster frames are so bad. By bad we mean that the frame is sprung, wonky and nearly falling apart. Sure, we could fix them up but 1 or 2 hours skilled picture framer labour is expensive and so it is often cheaper to throw out the old, pre-love frame rather than try and repair it.