how to repair old plaster picture frames

How to Restore Antique Plaster Picture Frames

1. Pressing the clay onto the frame makes a mold of the undamaged detail you want to duplicate. ...
2. This plaster piece will replace what was damaged. Mix the plaster and pour it into the mold carefully trying to avoid air bubbles.
3. Fine sandpaper will clean up the plaster's edges. ...
4. A coat of gesso seals the plaster. ...
5. The frame is now whole again. ...

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Full Answer

Can I restore an antique with plaster?

If you plan to restore one on your own take your time and make your own judgment on materials you may be afraid will cause adverse effects on your antique. When I first received the frame it had many pieces missing from the plaster. Some were in the frame just lying there. I did some research and found that the frame was plaster with gold leaf.

How to repair a gilded plaster picture frame?

How to Repair a Gilded Plaster Picture Frame. 1 1. Clean the Frame. Place the picture frame on a flat surface and wash it down with a little soap and water. Do it gently. use only enough to get it ... 2 2. Soften Up the Clay. 3 3. Make the Mold. 4 4. Mix the Plaster. 5 5. Make the Replacement. More items

How do you fix a broken picture frame?

Make sure that the surface of the frame is clean and dry. Put a little wood glue on your finger and spread it over the area where the plaster piece will go. Do the same for the back of the plaster piece. Put the plaster piece into the spot, and it's done. Below are the pictures of the repaired frame.

Why do plaster picture frames crack so easily?

Much like other decorative objects made from this material, antique plaster picture frames are prone to cracks, chips and dings because of the fragile nature of plaster. Replacing a cherished plaster frame with something comparable may be difficult, if not impossible.

How do you clean antique plaster frames?

InstructionsWipe any dust and dirt off of your frame with a clean, soft cloth.Next, softly scrub the entire frame with a dry toothbrush, removing more dirt from crevices and again, wipe with cloth.Mix up water and a few drops of mild dish soap in a bowl.More items...•

How old are plaster picture frames?

Plaster or composition frames became popular in the early 19th century. Therefore, if a frame is made of plaster rather than carved wood, then it is probably not older than the 19th century, even if its design seems to belong to an earlier period.

How do you refurbish old picture frames?

0:125:36Easy Picture Frame Refinishing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we're going to take all the fixings off of it so we'll take the backing. We'll take that glassMoreAnd we're going to take all the fixings off of it so we'll take the backing. We'll take that glass out all those screws off and that'll. Allow us to use the patina stains to do this.

How can you tell a vintage picture frame?

1:392:37How to Determine if a Frame is Old or New, Important Tips of ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLook for things like glass that might still be in it and if the glass is in it is it going to haveMoreLook for things like glass that might still be in it and if the glass is in it is it going to have glass that has the little bubbles in it these are all signs. For an old frame.

Are old picture frames worth any money?

Like any antique item, there's a lot of variation in the value of antique picture frames. Some sell for many thousands of dollars, which others are worth only a few dollars. If you're in doubt, it's always a good idea to have your frame appraised.

Can picture frames be repaired?

Spread a thin line of wood glue on the inner edge of each joint and press the pieces together. Wipe any excess glue from the frame with a damp cloth and use a clamp to hold the joints together until the glue is dry. After the glue has completely dried, replace the glass, the photo, and the back of the frame.

What can I do with old picture frames?

Here's our top 21 ideas for how to repurpose old picture frames.Table Organizer. This is a lovely way to declutter your desk. ... Frame Trays. Repurpose old picture frames into trays! ... Lapel Pins Storage Box. ... Framed Succulents. ... Bathroom Shelf. ... Picture Frame Memo Boards. ... Layered Frames. ... Mood Board.More items...•

How do you fix a chipped picture frame?

0:323:31How to Repair Picture Frame - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I've picked a silver fill stick and what I'm gonna do is just rub that back and forth across theMoreSo I've picked a silver fill stick and what I'm gonna do is just rub that back and forth across the defect until it's filled. I'm going to take a scraper.

What is a plaster frame?

Plaster frames allow for easy installation of square ceiling or t-bar style slot diffusers into drywall ceilings.

How do you hang pictures on old plaster walls?

The ideal solution for hanging pictures on plaster is to use a picture hanging system like the all-in-one click rail cable hanging kit. This system works by simply installing a rail along the wall, and pictures then hang from cables attached to the rail, and are fastened with hooks.

How do you hang on plaster and lath?

Drywall anchors can be used on plaster walls the same way they'd be used on drywall. However, in many cases, they're not necessary, because it's easier to get a screw into the lath. I only use drywall anchors on plaster walls when I've gotten other screws into the lath or a stud, and I'm hanging a large piece.

How do you hang a frame on a plaster wall?

0:181:24How to Install Picture Hooks for Plaster Walls - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey'll just pull right out. So we'll take that nail out. And put a drywall screw in there instead.MoreThey'll just pull right out. So we'll take that nail out. And put a drywall screw in there instead. The drywall screw will hit the laughs boards behind the plaster which will hold it into place.

Why are plaster picture frames prone to cracks?

Much like other decorative objects made from this material, antique plaster picture frames are prone to cracks, chips and dings because of the fragile nature of plaster. Replacing a cherished plaster frame with something comparable may be difficult, if not impossible. Rather than settling for a different frame, ...

How to make an impression of a frame?

Work a piece of modeling compound by hand that's large enough to wrap around the frame details to create an impression. When the compound is soft, press it over the area you wish to re-create; this area should be covered in cornstarch. Press firmly to get an accurate impression of all details, including the edges.

Can you use gold foil paint on antique frames?

If the frame is gold-toned or gilded, you can use a gold foil kit to create a similar effect over the painted patch. Use gold acrylic paint for a less expensive alternative. If the antique frame is valuable, you may wish to have a professional restorer handle it instead for the best results. Writer Bio.

Step 1

Pressing the clay onto the frame makes a mold of the undamaged detail you want to duplicate.

Step 6

Paint or gild your final finish so that the new segment matches the original color and finish. Your frame is now finished and ready to be rehung.

Step 1: Looking Over the Frame

When I first received the frame it had many pieces missing from the plaster. Some were in the frame just lying there. I did some research and found that the frame was plaster with gold leaf. Originally I thought it was clay but i was wrong. I also saw the dust build up was thick. So it was time to clean.

Step 2: Cleaning the Frame

For the cleaning I used a cotton swab dipped in water. This was so I could clean each tiny crevice. I simply rubbed every inch of the detailed part of the frame to clean it. The bottom was the worst and you could tell there was cigarette smoke mixed in with the dust. It did all come off.

Step 3: Taking It Apart

Now the frame has to be disassembled. I found several different types of nails. Due to the age of the frame I suppose. Use the pliers to pull the nails out. this is no place for a hammers claw. Be very careful not to crack the wood as the nails come out. Just go slow and steady, it will come out eventually.

Step 4: Sealing and Gluing the Pieces Back On

I wanted to seal up the old wood and plaster before I proceeded so that no more plaster would fall off. I added water to some wood glue and painted it on. The mix was enough to make the glue runny. You will want to experiment to get it right. This anchored all the small pieces to the wood.

Step 5: Replacing the Missing Sections With New Ones

Now that all the pieces I had where in place it was time to duplicate the missing design and place it back on the frame. First choose a section that is missing. Make sure you select enough of the pattern to repeat. In this case just over 2 inches long. Add your seperating agent on the section.

Step 6: Replacing the Missing Section

Now that the molds are ready i mixed the Milliput. Use small amounts at first to make sure you have enough time to fill the missing section. Milliput will stick well to itself so if you dont make enough you can always add more later. Adding a small amount to the missing section make sure you have enough on top in order to fill in the whole mold.

Step 7: Adding the Gold Leaf

Now that all the areas are replaced its time to add the gold leaf. The instructions show to add a red base before adding the gold leaf. This is so the gold stands out better. I decided because the frame was already mostly gold that adding the leaf over it would not need to have a red base.