The (new) moulding in last post was made from tulip, which is a perfect wood for gilding; virtually no knots, close grain, and very stable. This frame is made from pine which has been used alot over the years for making frames but is really horrible for gilding and painting on. The moulding above only comes in pine but it has to be used for a gesso/paint/gilt finish so the timber needs a little more preparation than tulip or obeche. Here the knots are being painted with a shellac based primer called Zinsser BIN.
