Although it may be tempting to use a gold-colored paint to touch up a worn frame, this is not advisable. “Gold” paints are often actually pigmented with copper alloys like brass or bronze, and while they might match the gold of the frame initially, they almost always oxidize to an unappealing brownish-green layer that can be very difficult or impossible to remove. In the best cases these paints can be removed with harsh, toxic chemicals, and in the worst cases they become inextricably linked to the original gilding layers below, necessitating more invasive treatment options or removal of original material. When in doubt, it is always better to accept a small amount of natural wear—which is, in fact, often prized on historic frames—than to introduce harmful cleaners, paints, or other substances to a gilded surface.
Frames can be far more than accessories; they can bring meaning and significance to the objects they house. Keeping in mind their environmental needs and avoiding some common pitfalls of care and handling are essential. A good understanding of preventive conservation principles can go a long way toward preserving the integrity of your own treasured frames.
Additional Resources
The Frame Blog takes an in-depth look at the history, meaning, and preservation of frames. Blog editor Lynn Roberts’s books are also indispensable resources on European picture frames.
A demonstration of water gilding technique from the Victoria and Albert Museum
Information about framing paintings from the Canadian Conservation Institute
Information about matting and framing works on paper from the American Institute for Conservation’s Book and Paper Specialty Group
We hope you are enjoying these entries in our series focused on caring for your family heirlooms. This series will continue throughout the summer and cover a variety of items and materials. If you have any comments on the series thus far, including materials you’d like to see covered in future posts, please email us at art-conservation@udel.edu. The previous posts in this series are available on the Department of Art Conservation website here.
You are in our hearts and minds as collectively we face many challenges. We hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. When we emerge from this global crisis we must and will rely on art and culture, preserved for today and for future generations, to foster joy, well-being and hope. We encourage you to visit our web site for regular updates on our department of art conservation and news coverage of our treasured students and alumni at home and abroad.