How To Repair A Plaster Picture Frame

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A Damaged Plaster Frame

DIY Antiquarian Picture Frame Repair

I love to buy sometime picture frames because, well, I similar sometime stuff. I am specially fond of those old gilded plaster frames. They set off my landscape prints really well. The merely drawback is that the ones in good shape aren't cheap, and the ones that are inexpensive are in poor repair.

Oh, woe is me; what'south a poor girl to exercise? Go to the library, of course. While at that place, I establish a little book that told of ways to repair miscellaneous collectibles. And guess what I found in this little book? Yeah, you guessed it. How to repair damaged gilded pic frames.

But Tin I Repair and Restore the Picture show Frame?

Afterwards reading through the instructions, I said to myself, "I could practice that." And I did. In fact, my repairs were good enough to allow some of my better frames to actually exist sold on eBay a few years back.

I just finished restoring a really old frame that has been on my "to practise" list for a long fourth dimension.

6 Steps to Repairing Your Picture Frame

1. Clean the Frame
2. Soften Upwards the Clay
3. Brand the Mold
4. Mix the Plaster
5. Make the Replacement
6. Smooth the Mold Until It Fits

One Pack of Modeling Clay

Abrasives to Polish Edges — I tend to use what I have on hand

These are the only tools and supplies that you need to get the job done:

• One pack of modeling dirt
• One container of "Plaster of Paris"
• Chopsticks and disposable cup for mixing
• H2o
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Abrasives to smoothen edges
• Woods glue
• Gilded foliage paint
• Small foam brush

This Is Where Nosotros Begin

This is a pic of the frame after the plaster mold has been glued in place. Information technology may look a little rough now, just wait till you see the fully restored frame.

Close up of Damage and Repair in Place

Footstep one: Clean the Frame

Place the picture frame on a flat surface and wash it downward with a little soap and water. Do it gently. Utilise only enough to become it clean because if the plaster gets likewise wet, information technology will get soft.

If yous still have the glass in it, apply that blue tape to mask around the edges. (I like the bluish stuff considering information technology comes off easily and doesn't exit whatsoever of itself behind). Permit the frame dry completely.

Clay Softened and Prepare To Go

Read More than From Feltmagnet

Step 2: Soften Up the Clay

At present take the modeling dirt and soften information technology up in your easily so it can be hands worked. The clay volition be used to make a mold of the undamaged parts of the frame so the damaged parts can be filled in.

Making the Mold

The Mold of the Frame Curl Work

Step 3: Make the Mold

The beginning thing to practice is to thoroughly spay the part of the frame existence used to make the molds with cooking spray. Take a piece of the clay and make a small block with it. And then flatten information technology till it reaches a size that will cover the plaster decoration. Printing in over the section and press really hard. Remove the clay. Now y'all have the mold for the missing parts.

It will have a piddling practice to become molds that will exist the correct size. They must be thick plenty to indistinguishable the design but thin enough then that you don't take a really thick molded piece. If the molded piece is too thick, information technology won't friction match the balance of the frame. Eventually, y'all will go the hang of it and get a clay mold that volition exist a skillful fit.

Pace four: Mix the Plaster

Mix up a small amount of Plaster of Paris in a small container. I like to use clear plastic disposable cups. Add the Plaster of Paris. I don't measure; I just put in what looks right. Just depending on how much frame there is to repair, ane/4 to 1/2 a cup should be more than enough.

Add together the h2o a little at a time, stirring well. Here is where I use the chopstick. The Plaster of Paris needs to be thin enough to cascade easily but non watery. If it is the consistency of pancake concoction, information technology will be only well-nigh correct.

Mixing the plaster is the trickiest function because if you stir the plaster too hard, it gets total of bubbling, and these bubbling will harden in the mold ruining information technology. When you accept smooth, chimera-free plaster that is about the consistency of pancake batter, it's time to get rolling.

Step 5: Make the Replacement

At present, spray the molds again with the cooking spray. This makes the plaster easier to remove from the mold. Cascade in the plaster. Now hither comes another utilise for the chopstick. Apply it to level the bottom border of the mold. You lot want it to be every bit fifty-fifty equally possible then it will fit snugly onto the frame. At present let it dry overnight.

Step 6: Polish the Mold Until It Fits

Subsequently the plaster has stale, remove it gently from the mold. Now comes the hardest part of the whole process. Use an emery board, a pocket-size screwdriver, or a sharp blade (you volition accept to observe what works best for you lot). The big the slice of plaster, the bigger tool you will need.

All the rough edges and the back of the piece demand to be smoothed out. If it is a piffling besides big to fit neatly into the spot to exist repaired, simply go on shaving it down until it fits.

Don't worry almost making an verbal fit. Once the frame is painted and hung, information technology will be really hard to see where the damage was.

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 get. Practice the same for the back of the plaster piece. Put the plaster piece into the spot, and information technology'south done.

Pictures of the Repaired Frame

Beneath are the pictures of the repaired frame. Information technology compares the damaged and undamaged parts of the frame. It is but upon close inspection that the replacement parts can be seen. On the wall, they are all but invisible.

Questions & Answers

Question: I accept a actually ornate frame on a big mirror. The plaster is cracked and some pieces take fallen off. What do you use to fill cracks?

Answer: I just use a little of the plaster of Paris use to make the replacement pieces. In one case information technology is dry, I sand it smooth.

Question: A moulded plaster of Paris frame is cracked right beyond in iii places. Information technology is non damaged enough to demand replacement molding. Is wood gum suitable?

Answer: I but seal with a little of the plaster used to make the mold.

Question: How do you lucifer the erstwhile patina on the new slice?

Respond: I just repaint the whole frame.

Question: I take a late 19th. century club moving-picture show frame for a picture show measuring 40 inches past fourscore inches, the frame has been taken apart, information technology did have nails to keep information technology together 2 and two and a half inches very thin nails, which I tin't find and I am concerned that hammering the nails in, volition crusade harm to the frame. Could I use superglue to stick the frame together? The frame has the loops for the rope to hang the moving picture on the two uprights of the frame.

Answer: I have no experience with the repair of the frame itself. With my knowledge of old things in full general, I am not sure if superglue is the answer. I would suggest checking out places that sell architectural salvage to encounter if they sell the size smash you need. Also, bank check for what they telephone call brads at the hardware store. They are nails used in putting up paneling or past upholsterers. If you must use gum I recommend gorilla glue and clamping the frame.

Question: What do you lot seal the new plaster with?

Respond: I but seal with wall primer.

Question: I need to repair long narrow fries along the side of my plaster frame can I just use plaster of Paris to make full in the surface area that is missing?

Answer: That'southward what I do.

Maria Cervantes on September 07, 2020:

Thanks for your tutorial on former frames. My question is, Can I use Bondo to fill in The cracks on my 1940's Gold frame?

Elizabeth Morewood on October 02, 2017:

I accept a couple of old gilt framed pictures (1820s) and in places $.25 of the frames have fallen off. I take the pieces but please, how ccan I become them to stick back in identify?

Jay Scott on August 03, 2017:

Please don't employ water on any art- paintings or picture frames . American picture frames are generally made with

Composition ( Compo) elements, non plaster. Water will swell the gesso layer and tin cause mold . Clean dirt with a soft brush ,then wipe surface with mineral spirits - petroleum based cleaners but.

Fine frames should be repaired by a professional , using compo fabric.

Renate Bob on July 05, 2017:

I tried plaster of Paris, but it's so soft fifty-fifty when it hardens, that the details are easy to

Lose. I'k

Wondering if adding woods glue to the water volition make information technology better to handle.

Kathy on January 23, 2017:

I accept a antique movie frame and the corner broke off how tin I reattach it I have looked and looked I have the corner just non sure how to put it back.

jane cooper on January 17, 2017:

Cheers! I'm going to endeavor it.

Nib on January xiii, 2017:

Enjoyed your post. Have used epoxy wood in repair jobs. Verbal replication of blueprint is tempting and take idea most using molds, but have enjoyed sculpting the missing pieces. Mix and stick to cleaned forest/plaster and sculpt abroad. Take well-nigh 20 minutes earlier sets up too much. Trim excess almost immediately. Water on fingertips helps smooth out fingerprints. Also, could utilise bondo. Can add together less hardener to prolong prepare fourth dimension. Do final trim earlier completely hardened.

reddog1027 (writer) from Atlanta, GA on November 28, 2016:

I always only repaint the whole frame. I have found it hard to try and lucifer the former pigment or gild.

Elizabeth Gamble on November 28, 2016:

If trying to figure out the best painting solution for my repairs. The frame I am repairing is a large plaster bandage gilt i which I think is painter. I would like to match the paint,or Chou led I just paint information technology all? I can transport a photograph if you tell me how to get it to you lot?

Ray on September twenty, 2016:

Ray.

To strengthen the corner mitres joints, place sponge packing in the edge of the frame and using a sash cramp carefully pull together. ( If sash cramp not available, wrap a pocket-sized diam. rope effectually frame and pull together ). Drill a hole through the edge of the timber base and glue a short length of small diam. dowel through the joint. Be careful not to place the dowel in the plaster moulded section as this could crusade farther damage. Sand flush and paint. Invisible finish.

Irene on August 25, 2016:

More than on how to pigment gold leaf on repair

Jean on August 08, 2016:

Cheers!

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on May 20, 2016:

I would need to come across a picture of the frame only I am thinking that to duplicate the curve attempt 1. spay the frame with cooking spray. ii. put the plaster in the mold. 3. printing the mold and the plaster to the frame curving it equally you lot do. iv. Let dry and remove. That should duplicated the curve of the frame.

freyda on May 19, 2016:

the missing golden leaf is actually a leaf on the part of the frame that is curved so the plaster mold is finished on the wrong side of the bend, it is like a belveled role of the frame. when I fabricated the mold correctly, It is too solid to use, the leafage is curved correctly, but now I take a solid piece of plaster of paris...

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on February 06, 2016:

Glad I could be of help. It is such a simple fix. Good luck and let me know how ii comes out!

Debbie on Feb 06, 2016:

Thanks I am off to Walmart to get my stuff. I got a great deal on a frame for $3 and could non pass it upwardly. It has 2 little places I know I can fix now thanks to you and your info. It makes my money spent look actually practiced now.

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on February 03, 2016:

I use a place on the reverse side of the frame and so plough it upside downwardly.

Pat on February 02, 2016:

Whatsoever thoughts on how to practise a mirror or opposite mold. The frame I would like to do is missing some foliage detail on 1 side. The undamaged side is opposite.

Doug Ernst on August 04, 2015:

Why doesn't the spray oil or oil from the clay mess up the ability to repaint the frame?

Doug in Sandy Eggo

nancy on July 31, 2015:

If I didn't desire to get through the process of making molds all around the frame , how practice I preclude further breakage of ornate pieces? Should I brush woods glue all over the frame and then paint when information technology is dry?

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on June xviii, 2015:

To get the plaster make it thicker simply add together more than plaster to the mix. This should make it harder when it sets up. If you are applying the plaster directly to the frame make certain the expanse is make clean and dry.

Mike on Apr 16, 2015:

I need to repair a thin layer of plaster on a frame, how practise yous make the plaster harder and that information technology will stick to the frame

reddog1027 (writer) from Atlanta, GA on March 24, 2015:

Sorry to take so long to reply but I have been under the weather. Merely an FYI. the knees are the first to become. I am and so glad that my method has proved and then successful for anybody who has tried information technology.

Trapso on Jan nineteen, 2015:

What a swell, articulate post! I collect quondam movie frames at yard sales, antiquarian shops, etc. I have a mitre saw and so I can take a large frame hand cutting it to size for a smaller moving picture. I was staying away from former frames with damage such as you describe feeling that they were non repairable. Now I can get those also and fix them up. I took a limited edition impress we had purchased and made a frame to measure out and did some repair on it. Looks cracking and at little cost compared to a framer who would have charged over a hundred dollars. Another matter you might attempt is a product called RubnBuff. Information technology comes in a variety of colors and I have used it for restoring/repairing. Await it upwardly on the internet!

one thousand on December 24, 2014:

well I figured it out. I used burnt umber, black and umber and fabricated a mix tat perfectly matched the old dirt in the cracks. I brushed information technology in and wiped it off and you are right it looks amazing. I tackled an entire width of a frame that was missing the bottom half of the plaster. The frame also curved so it was long and biconvex. What was I thinking??? Notwithstanding, it turned out really well and you tin can't even tell if you don't know that information technology is repaired. I can't believe I did that.

m on December 17, 2014:

what practice you use to make the repair match the dirty parts that are darker? Antiquing was? If ound a 1966 article on it that used spackle and said to use 1/4 c moving picture varnish and 1/4 t burnt umber and i/4 t raw umber oil paint to glaze information technology and then wipe it off. Thoughts?

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on September 10, 2014:

Cheers for the question Kate. I didn't spray paint the frame. I purchased a gilt paint from my local hardward store and used a foam brush so I wouldn't have to clean it. When you employ it make sure to do so in a well ventilated identify.

Kate on September 06, 2014:

Hello Reddog1027, Thanks for this tutorial! Quick question - did you spray paint the whole frame once yous were finished fixing the broken parts? The finished products has then much shine! All y'all mention in the beginning is washing it... did you wash and repaint or just wash?

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on Dec 11, 2013:

Thanks for the complement Icandoit54. I read this in a picayune book I checked out of the library and gave it a try. It was then easy that I thought others would be looking for this kind of info. Glad information technology worked .

Icandoit54 on December 09, 2013:

You are brilliant! Normally I'm pretty crafty, only you got me on that 1! Thanks. Yous are exactly right!

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on December 06, 2013:

I would use wood filler to fill up in the crevice as it won't expand and so once dry, smoothen on plaster and then information technology blends with the rest of the frame. Hope this helps

Icandoit54 on December 01, 2013:

Hey, I'k looking for communication. I have an onetime landscape with molded plaster frame. It's beautiful. However the side of the frame cracked from aging and there is a pigsty in the side of the frame.it is in the square office of the frame on the side so there be no need to mold. Do you lot call back I could only fill the pigsty with plaster of Paris and smooth off the edge straight. It wouldn't work if the plaster expands as it dries because it would cause the frame to crack again. What do you think?

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on Dec 05, 2012:

I know it will look bang-up!

Lou on November 28, 2012:

Thank you for posting! This volition allow me to prepare my Wife'due south Great Grandmother'south frame in time for Christmas!

reddog1027 (writer) from Atlanta, GA on Nov x, 2012:

let me know how your project turns out!

Ian on Nov 10, 2012:

That was splendid! Thank you then much. I'g off to practice the work.

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on October 20, 2012:

The only tricks to the gold foliage is to use in a well ventilated area every bit it has some very volatile solvent as it'due south base and use one of the foam dispensable brushes so you don't take to worry most cleaning it up with another solvent. the hardest part about this whole procedure is getting the thickness of the clay molds and the resulting plaster slice the same thickness as the frame. Practiced luck and let me know how information technology turns out.

graminva on October twenty, 2012:

Is there whatsoever flim-flam when it comes to painting the frame with the gold leaf? We accept received an 83 year quondam triple mirror with etching but the frame is missing parts and the gilt leaf is flecking off in places. Going to show my hubby these instructions before we ruin this antiquarian!!! Thank you.

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on September 15, 2012:

I just love information technology when this hub helps someone else.

Louis on September 14, 2012:

Thanks for your great advice! I have an old plaster picture frame, and I'd love to see its former dazzler without shelling out beaucoup dollars. Glad I've institute your advice in repairing the frame.

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on September 04, 2012:

As ever, I am and then glad that you have plant this hub helpful.

jmb on August 26, 2012:

Thanks and then much for this tutorial, I am about to accept a big challenge. You take made information technology like shooting fish in a barrel!!!

Tony on June 10, 2012:

Thank you for the information. I appreciate it..Tony

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on June 09, 2012:

I would just make clean information technology with a damp material. A coat of polyurethane would exist a better sealer. The water based ones are really dainty to work with. Lemon oil contains a solvent and information technology might damage the pigment or the plaster.

TONY on June 09, 2012:

HI, WAS LOOKING FOR Data ON HOW TO Take CARE OF OLD PLASTER FRAMES. HAVE ONE WITH A WONDERFUL Moving-picture show THAT WAS MY MOMS.SHE ALWAYS LEMON OILED HER FURNITURE BUT I DON'T Call back SHE USED LEMON OIL ON THIS FRAME. DOES Information technology Demand OIL TO KEEP Information technology FROM DRYING OUT? WHAT WOULD You lot RECOMMEND. Thank you And so MUCH.

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on June 08, 2012:

I didn't oil the frames that I take repaired as I pigment them with a golden club paint. Whatever oil would go along the paint from sticking to the frame.

Davene on June 08, 2012:

I found your instructions on fixing an old plaster frame. Could y'all recommend oiling the frame after repair? I know besides wet isn't skilful, but would mineral or lemon oil assist? Thanks so much,

Piece of furniture Refinishing Restoration on May 25, 2012:

Thank you lot for all the data. It was MUCH needed!

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on May 02, 2012:

Again, I am and then glad you establish this helpful.

puckdropper on May 01, 2012:

I am going to use this technique to repair a 100 twelvemonth old frame my wife and I have carried with us for seven years subsequently it slipped from its' hangers. Thanks for being here, I was suspecting to take utilise this technique. You lot confirmed I am going in the correct direction. Again cheers.

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on March 17, 2012:

Glad you found this hub helpful Alex. If I can do information technology, anyone can.

Alex on March 17, 2012:

thanks then much I accept carried an old frame effectually with me for years and didn't accept the time or data to fix it now I will before equally of information technology falls off.

reddog1027 on February 12, 2012:

I just use a fiddling window cleaner spray like Windex. Information technology is alcohol based so it dissolves the oil.

Dee Loris on Feb 12, 2012:

How practise you make clean off the spray before y'all paint the frame?

dave on January 24, 2012:

it takes a lot to impress me and this post has washed it. I can fix annihilation simply never tried this altho i have washed casting in plaster before.Here'due south some tips from experience for new and old akin.

you can order casting plaster in 25 kilo numberless at a practiced builders yard far cheaper than arts and crafts shop little bags.you tin put plaster to the water if task is sealed to terminate any bubbles whatsoever forming and tap to level when topped up.I institute a gold spray paint called mr christmas "brand" was the best luxury stop you could wish for but non known if still in production based in blackpool.lancs.spraying with black first enhances the stop on gold paint gives a luxurious pro effect.hope this goes on here as its expert advice.regards dave.

Mo on October 25, 2011:

Thank you so much for this Tutorial. I did it and my mirror frame looks great!

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on June 23, 2011:

Amanda, here is my suggestions. From the picture it looks as if there is a gouge out of the corner. I would attempt building it upwards with a couple of thin layers of plaster, permit it dry really well and smooth. And so make a mold of the ringlet work on the corner that is kitty corner to the 1 that needs the repair. Y'all may have to experiment with the level of the background to become it to a indicate where the scroll work is fifty-fifty with the surrounding areas. Let me know if at that place is anything I can exercise.

Carol

AmandaS on June 23, 2011:

Oops here is the picture URL...

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/43/imag0411y....

AmandaS on June 23, 2011:

Help! Really like the how-to! However, I am stuck! I have a plaster frame that has a broken corner (I have added a link to picture of the corner). The frame does have a matching corner but I accept no idea how to get about cloning that corner and making information technology piece of work in the broken area. Unfortunately the edges of the frame are decoratively rounded calculation to the difficulty. I have tried taking a mold of the unabridged in-tact corner but I just cannot get it. Whatsoever suggestions?

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on June 03, 2011:

DannieP, glad you found this hub helpful. Permit me know how yours turns out.

DannieP on June 03, 2011:

Very Impressive! I simply bought a gilded plaster frame today that is in demand of some restoration.

I can't wait to endeavor this technique out and run across the results. Thanks for the advice.

Mary Anne on January 12, 2011:

Okay, thanks! I will endeavor it tomorrow. So glad I found this post!

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on January 12, 2011:

I have found that making a clay mold is easier than trying to cut the pieces of plaster as they tend to break and crumble. Try the molds first. You may have to make a few to become the wait just correct.

reddog1027 (writer) from Atlanta, GA on January 01, 2011:

I am then glad you found this information helpful. The hardest part of the whole affair is getting a good plaster casting made. If the first ones don't turn out right, just keep tweaking till you lot get it right.

Amanda on December 31, 2010:

Cheers So much!! I have been searching the web all morning for this information. You did a fantastic job of presenting all the steps. I'm heading to the craft store, then getting started! Thanks over again. :-)

Sandy Jauregui from Sanger on September 17, 2010:

Give thanks you, you've given me inspiration to try information technology on some of my sometime mirrors...:))

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on August 06, 2010:

If I can do it, I am confident you can also. Glad you found the hub helpful.

RGNestle from Seattle on August 05, 2010:

Thank you!!!

My mother has a lithograph and a plaster mold frame which came from my great grandmother on my father's side. It has seen better days and I just began wondering if I should look for someone to repair it or if I should attempt it myself. I didn't know that information technology was plaster on wood until I found this Hub. At present I know I can do it and your instructions filled in the gaps in my noesis. I feel confident at present that I can brand the frame look similar new.

Cheers again!!!

Film Glass Frames on May 19, 2010:

Great hub! I don't have any of these products at home, so it's kind of inconvenient. But and so again, I don't own most products that should be in every home... eh...

reddog1027 (writer) from Atlanta, GA on April 19, 2010:

I am so glad you found this hub helpful. In one case I read it, I idea, hey I tin do that. And I did. And if I can exercise it anyone can. It's a nifty way to render a damaged frame back to usefulness.

KathyNE on April xviii, 2010:

Thanks then much for taking the time to mail service such a corking source of information! You lot did a very concise and easy to follow description of the procedure.

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on April eighteen, 2010:

I am glad you institute the hub helpful, babalooga. Information technology is a shame to let such cute frames go to waste when information technology is so like shooting fish in a barrel to prepare them.

babalooga on Apr xviii, 2010:

i searched the net over and FINALLY found theee folio i was looking for.

thank you!!! thanks!!! thank you!!!

Christine Mulberry on Feb 12, 2010:

Wow, that does look like something that's not also difficult to do. Smashing tutorial!

reddog1027 (writer) from Atlanta, GA on January 24, 2010:

Most old frames are held together by nails or small pegs. Over time holes around them become bigger, a lilliputian forest putty in the holes may be all it will accept.

Wealthmadehealthy from Somewhere in the Lone Star Land on January 24, 2010:

This was a wonderful hub!!! So informative and detailed. When I saw the title, I saw gilded frame repair and missed the plaster part...reading to fast...only the whole process of this is really simple....I have a gilded antiquarian forest frame which is very former and coming apart at the corners, no other damage except it is separating there....need to figure out how to put information technology flush again without damaging it. Guess I should go to the library or maybe google it....cheers for this hub!! I enjoyed it

Source: https://feltmagnet.com/crafts/How-to-Repair-Antique-Gesso-Picture-Frames

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