Picture Protectors

Corner support for fragile framed pieces

Picture Protectors are designed to sit over the corners of framed items and create a firmer edge against knocks. They are useful for framed art, mirrors, certificates, photo frames and mounted prints that need a bit more protection when being wrapped, stacked or placed into a storage unit. In Midrand and across Gauteng, they are a practical choice for homes, offices, galleries and stock rooms where pieces may be moved more than once.

They work as a simple buffer between the frame and the packing material around it. That helps reduce corner scuffing, paint chips and pressure marks from rope, tape or other items packed nearby. They are not a full crate or box, but they do a good job when used with paper, foam, bubble wrap or cardboard sheet protection.

Sizes and options that suit common frame profiles

Picture Protectors are usually selected by frame depth and corner profile rather than by artwork size alone. A neat fit matters because a protector that is too loose can slip and one that is too tight may not sit flat. For normal domestic and office use, the common choice is a flexible corner support that can be trimmed or adjusted to suit standard picture frames, slim mirrors and mounted prints.

• Lightweight corner supports for small framed prints and certificates
• Medium corner supports for standard photo frames and artwork
• Heavier corner support styles for larger mirrors and deeper frames
• Reusable options for repeat moves, storage rotation or stock handling
• Single pack or bulk pack options for offices, studios and movers

If you are packing mixed items, it helps to order a few extra pieces. A spare protector or two can save time when you are sorting frames of different sizes at the same table and the job needs to move quickly.

Where Picture Protectors work best

These supports suit day-to-day packing for people moving house, clearing space, or putting extra stock into self-storage. They are also handy for business use where framed displays, notice boards, mounted prints or mirror stock must be kept clean and tidy before transport. In humid coastal conditions they can help keep corners separated from wrapping that may soften or shift if stored too tightly, although the rest of the packing still needs to be dry and well sealed.

Picture Protectors are commonly used for:

• Home moves and room-to-room storage
• Office relocations and archive packing
• Student storage at the end of term
• Retail stock handling and display refreshes
• Artwork packing for delivery or storage

They are especially useful when items are going into a unit at one of our Gauteng storage areas and need to stay organised until they are collected again.

How to fit them before wrapping and stacking

Fitting picture protectors is straightforward. Slide or place the support over each frame corner before the item is wrapped. If the frame has a raised edge, check that the protector sits evenly and does not rock from side to side. After that, wrap the item with clean packing paper, foam sheet or bubble wrap, then secure the outer layer with tape only where it will not touch the frame surface.

A few practical steps help reduce breakage:

• Clean the frame and glass before packing so grit does not mark the surface
• Use cardboard corners or edge strips with the protectors on larger items
• Stand framed items upright rather than flat when possible
• Do not pack heavy objects against the face of the frame
• Label fragile pieces clearly so they are handled last and moved first

Corner protectors slip on by hand, so they can be used anywhere from a flat in Sandton to a storeroom in Centurion without extra setup.

Care, storage and repeat use

Picture Protectors should be kept clean, dry and free from crushing. If they are made for repeat use, check for bends, splits or worn corners before using them again. Damaged protectors may not sit properly and can leave a frame edge exposed. For short-term storage, keep them in a box or bag away from direct sunlight and damp floors, because heat and moisture can affect how well the material holds its shape.

If the protectors are used in a business packing station, it helps to sort them by size and store them close to the other packing supplies. That saves time when the team is packing mixed stock and keeps the moving area neater. A quick check before each move is worth the effort, especially if the load is going into storage for a few months.

Before you move in

Before ordering Picture Protectors, measure the frame corners and note whether the item is slim, deep or irregularly shaped. Also check whether the piece will be wrapped singly or packed with other items, because that affects how much support is needed. If you are storing art, mirrors or mounted prints in a unit, think about whether the item will be standing, stacked or moved again soon. That detail changes the packing plan quite a bit.

Useful order checks include:

• Frame depth and corner shape
• Whether the item is glass fronted or backed with board
• Quantity needed for a single move or repeated use
• Any need for bulk packing across several items
• Whether you want advice on packing paper, tape or outer wrap

For customers across Midrand, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Centurion and Kempton Park, the enquiry form on our contact page is the easiest way to ask about the right packing combination for your framed items. Our team can help you match the protectors to the way the items will be stored or moved, so the packing is not overdone or underdone.