Distressed Paint

I love seeing other framers work, just seeing what other people are doing and getting ideas. I get a lot of inspiration visiting art galleries to look at the frames, and I think this is one of the best ways to develop your own style. This distressed paint and gilded frame came in to the workshop for some minor repairs, and I like the overall effect.

Gesso Wash Frame

A really simple frame finish, with a couple of coats of gesso, two paint colours, a paint wash, and finally a coat of wax.

Paint Finish

A simple finish on a gesso frame; sponged on red and black paint, then bronze powder is sponged on top. Distressed a little with an abrasive pad, a sealer coat of shellac, and then a wax/wash finish.

Black Gesso Frame

This frame sample is covered in gesso, the base paint is red/brown with black on top. The paint is rubbed through, and then it is finished with shellac sealer and wax.

Dark Silver and Painted Frame

Black Gesso Frame

A frame with textured gesso that has a red base paint colour with black on top. The sight edge is dark gilt bronze powder.

Painted Frame

This vintage frame from the mid 20th Century has been cut down to fit a smaller painting.

Paint Finish Frame

Here are a few of the stages involved in making this distressed paint finish frame.

Gilded and Painted Frames

A couple of gilded and painted frames that were made for flamingo paintings on canvas, by the artist Jeremy Houghton:

http://jeremyhoughton.co.uk/

Swept Frame Damage

This antique swept frame shows what happens when frames are handled poorly. It was picked up by the top centre, which gave way under the weight of the rest of the frame, and resulted in a drop to the floor which caused considerable damage to a number of areas. The canvas also suffered a large dent. Sadly the broken off sections were thrown away, which means a lot more work will be involved, than just piecing together the broken bits. 

I would always suggest frames are handled with great care, and never by the corners or centres, best to hold two sides and even better if you can wear cotton gloves.

Painted and Gilded Frame Wash

 The next stages for this frame are to have some colour washes on top of the painted middle and side sections. The masking tape is then removed it will then be left to dry overnight. 

Repaired Frame

This 19th Century fluted second empire style continental frame has been repaired, it had various losses to the ornament and damage to the gesso.