How to Remove a Painting from a Frame

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Assess the damage to the painting.

   If serious, you may need to hire a professional restorer.
2. 2

   Step 2: Examine the front and back of the frame.

   Determine the method of attachment.
   
   Removal is reversal of assembly. ,, It is not necessary to take out the staples holding the stretcher bar itself.
   
   Use pliers to remove the staples if they don't come out easily.
   
   Continue around the back of the picture. ,,, It may need to be re-attached to another stretcher bar if the current one is not reusable. ,, The wood stretcher bar holds the canvas giving it shape.
   
   There is a crevice into which the spline used to fit, pinching the canvas taut.
   
   This is the same principle a screen door uses. , There may be many years that the canvas has been pressed folded.
   
   It is not glued to the wood, but may be stuck slightly. , Wrap loosely so paint does not chip and break off.
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   Step 3: Note which staples go to which part of the assembly.

4. 4

   Step 4: Remove staples

5. 5

   Step 5: nails or screws from back of frame.

6. 6

   Step 6: Carefully wedge in the screwdriver to get a grip on the spline.

7. 7

   Step 7: Remove the spline from all the way around the painting.

8. 8

   Step 8: Pull any staples/nails found holding the canvas to the frame

9. 9

   Step 9: being careful not to rip the canvas material too much.

10. 10

    Step 10: Gently push the canvas backward or frame forward to separate from each other.

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    Step 11: Slowly poke under the canvas.

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    Step 12: Continue around the edge of the frame/picture.

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    Step 13: If transporting

14. 14

    Step 14: carefully roll up around a foam cylinder and place in sturdy carton.

Detailed Guide

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