Water damage to gilded frame
The most common damages to gilded frames are broken bits of molding, loss of gold, and overpaint. Water damage, age, shrinkage of wood substrates and improper environmental conditions can cause the gesso to loosen and fall off taking the gold surface with it. Frames can get bumped and dropped, knocking of corners and pieces of decorative molding. White spots of gesso remain, distracting from the original beauty of the frame.
The shiny ribbon detail has been cleaned of bronze paint revealing the gold surface.
Repeated cleaning, can eventually wear off the gold
leaving an uneven surface. Often well-meaning
attempts to even out a worn or damaged surface
result in a coat of bronze paint being applied.
The metals in this kind of “radiator paint” oxidize over
time, tarnish, and turn dark. This paint can be stripped
and the damage to the surface gold restored.
Missing pieces are filled with gesso and larger, more
ornate pieces are molded, cast and fit into place.
Gilded frame partially cleaned
Many times a period frame accompanies an original work of art.
The frame’s restoration ensures it will remain in good repair with the piece as it was intended.
Losses to decorative outer molding and very worn gold on highest point of frame rail
Broken wing on gilded composition eagle