Yes we do repair broken picture frames and replace smashed photo frames glass, but with qualifications and 
limitations. Picture frames repairs and re-glazing ( glazing is the covering of a surface with glass ) can be done by most picture framers provided the frame isn't too badly damaged or has just sprung open, as shown in the picture. Other repairs such as retouching of small scratches, replacing broken glass or decayed rear dust covers or broken cord, or string or hangers or nails or screws is also easily enough done. To repair or restore valuable, historical or antique picture frames which need restoration we recommend a qualified, professional art restorer, particularly when antique gilding or hand-carved mouldings are involved.
However any repairs or restorations, whether made by a picture framer, conservator or restore will cost money, with a picture framer often being the cheapest of the three professionals. That said, there's nothing stopping the keen do-it-yourself, skilled amateur or carpenter from fixing broken frames or replacing broken picture framing glass themselves. Take for instance the common problem of a rickety picture frame which has sprung (the corners have opened).
The corners have probably opened up because of the expansion, contraction caused by the ambient air, moisture, and temperature variations and even pollutants which filter and permeate our houses. Should that happen and you want to repair the frame, here's what you can do. First de-frame the picture or artwork held by the picture frame and put it aside. Be careful when handling and removing the glass, the edged may be jagged or sharp.
Then carefully use nail pullers or pliers to remove any Vee-nails, screws or nails from the joints. Be careful not to hurt or cut yourself nor to damage the frame during the removal work. After this, scrape and file away any old bits of glue form the joints making sure the surface of the joints remain or become clean, flat and straight. Trim or sand the joints slightly if imperfections stop the the joints from meeting neatly and tightly together.
A small rasp, wood file and and sanding block will do just fine. Then generously apply good quality P.V.A. or woodworking glue to the eight surfaces of the four sections of the frame. Clamp the corner of the frame with the small clamp or frame clamp so the two angled pieces of wood fit flush. Sand the joints slightly if there is a rough edge preventing the joints from fitting together well. Clamp the corner of the frame with the small clamp or frame clamp so the two angled pieces of wood fit flush.
Sand the joints slightly if there is a rough edge preventing the joints from fitting together well. Clamp the corner of the frame with the small clamp or frame clamp so the two angled pieces of wood fit flush. Sand the joints slightly if there is a rough edge preventing the joints from fitting together. Now clamp the corners of the sections of the picture frame with a strap clamp from a good hardware store or carpenters' clamps so that the angled joints meet and join flush. Clean any excess P.V.A. or glue oozing from the clamped picture frame joints with an old, moist sponge.
With the frame still tightly held in the clamp, drill a small hole in each of the four ends and the drive or hammer a screw or nail into the hole. Either should be a little bigger than the hole so as to firmly fasten.Leave the clamped frame to dry for at at least a day although most glue manufacturers suggest 2 or even 3 days for maximum strength. Remember that what holds the frame together is the glue. The nails or screws are mere fastening devices which hold the faces of the joints together so that the glue will securely bind and hold.
After this, unclamp the picture frame and make sure it's solid and sound. If the joints move, even a little bit, the seal of the glue has been broken and you should start all over again. But if all's well, you can then re-fit the artwork you previously removed and you're done ! Find out more about repairing picture frames by going to our Picture Frames Services page. Thank you for reading this post "Do you repair broken picture frames and replace smashed photo frames glass?".
What about replacing a broken mirror in a mirror picture frame where the picture frame is Ok but the mirror is cracked, is this something that can be done? Browsing through your site there’s the Services page where it says that you do so I’ll email you for a quote. I’ll need a quote for a) just fitting a new mirror which I will supply and b) fitting a new mirror which you ca supply. I’ll email you my request.
A picture frame or photo frame has to be worth it before considering repairing it. Most picture framers have a minimum hourly charge, anything between $50 to $100, depending on where you go. So if they charge 1 or 2 hours it has to be worth at least that. Also some of the imported picture frames sold by many large department stores aren’t made from wood. They’re made from composite materials with wood and paper shavings with glue, sort of cardboard-like MDF. This mean that the frame joints, if these have come apart, cannot be joined again with picture framing Vee-nails. I’m cabinet-maker, so I know. The same with photo frames. Unless these are gilded or antique, most times it’s cheaper to chuck them out and to have them fixed.
This is all very good but if what one doesn’t have the materials and equipment, like clamps? Why not ask a picture framer to fix-up the picture frame? I’ve actually done this a few times and it only cost me $20 to $40 to have a frame properly fixed. The trick is to find a picture framer who wants to do it. Most picture framers will tell you that it can’t be done or that it’s not worthwhile of that they won’t be able to do a good job. They’ll say that it’s better to get a whole new frame! Don’t believe them! You just have to find a framer who’s not so damned hungry or greedy! I’ve got a lovely old picture framer in Moorabbin who does work for me, even repairs, as I’m an old customer of his. He fixed frames that other framers were too lazy or stuck-up to fix.
In all honestly i was considering doing it myself when i was reading the comments but i found myself a little intimidated as i didn’t have all the tools required. I went around my local area to 2 picture framers and both refused to do it. They said it was broken and needed to be completely replaced and wouldnt be worth it because they could make it worse. The corner has sprung open pretty much like the example picture! My cousin is carpenter who works alot with doors. He had a look at it and said no problem. He charged me 50 dollars (hes quite busy) and it looks good as new. When i asked, what he did, he just said some glue, a headless pin and a nice hard clamp for half a day. Im sure the picture framers i went to do just didnt want to do the work as they charged the some amount or more! Just ask a carpenter is my advice, if you know one.
I have just discovered that one of my prized college certificates has the glass in the picture frame completely smashed and I am hoping that this can be fixed or repaired or even have the glass replaced.
Hi Pia, Simply bring your damaged certificates, or art, to us for an obligation-free consultation. We are able to repair most frames and are most certainly able to re-glaze your broken glass. All our business details can be found in the Contact page.