Gesso and gilding make beautiful finishes on portrait and picture frames. Gesso is a mixture of powdered calcium carbonate applied to a frame before a final finish is applied. Gilding refers to the process of applying a metal leaf layer, such as gold or silver, to a frame. Use these steps to repair gesso and gilding on frames.
Instructions
1. Clean the entire frame with a soft damp cloth. Wipe down the surface of the frame taking care not to dislodge any larger areas of gilding and gesso. Reach into any cracks or crevices to remove hidden contaminants.
2. Sand the affected area on the frame with 200-grit sandpaper. Smooth the surface down to the base wood, taking care not to sand away any detail or structure. Wipe off the frame again with a damp tack cloth.
3. Mix the gesso by mixing chalk or calcium carbonate, woodworking glue and water together in equal amounts until it is the consistency of pancake batter. Add colors or pigments during this step. Use the gesso immediately.
4. Separate the gold or silver leaf into sections that are easy to work with. Gold and silver leaf is very fragile and can tear easily or blow away. Keep the work surface free of drafts and contaminants.
5. Apply the gesso to the frame over the affected area. Keep the gesso from spreading to unaffected areas of the frame. Let dry and repeat if necessary to fill in the frame surface to a smooth appearance.
6. Place the gold or silver leaf onto the area to be repaired. Gently lay the leaf sheet over the portion of the frame being repaired and smooth the leaf onto the surface with a soft bristle brush. Portions of the leaf will flake away as the layers are added. Continue until the desired appearance is achieved.
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