Restoring an old wooden frame: techniques

Renovating and repairing an old frame is a task for a professional craftsman. However, even if you are not trained, you can still repair your frames yourself. The only requirement is that you have a good basic knowledge of DIY and the necessary tools to do so. The important thing is to follow the logical steps to restore an old wooden frame to its former glory.

Restoring the frame by solidifying the frame

If the frame is damaged, it is advisable to remove the bottom, the glass and the picture by using small nails with a man's head driven into each corner of the frame. This will strengthen the frame structure. Afterwards, you only need to fill the holes with wood filler. After the wood filler has dried completely, you can apply a new coat of paint to hide the holes.

How are holes filled?

In order to restore an old wooden frame properly, the visible holes must not leave any traces on the structure of the frame. You can fill them with gold wax, filler and plaster. To do this, first apply adhesive tape to protect the glass. Next, it is important to wipe the surface with a cloth soaked in alcohol before sanding. After applying the filler, please wait for it to dry before sanding the object with sandpaper, and also before using the filler. Finally, it is important to fill the holes with modelling clay. 

Solutions for a renovated frame

When restoring an old wooden frame, you can usually choose between a few different techniques. First of all, a golden wax preparation is necessary to hide the holes and pores. At the same time, this creates a good adhesion for the gilding. The gilding varnish is simply applied with a soft brush. Afterwards, you should wait at least 11 hours before applying a second coat of varnish. You can also use gold leaf to restore an old wooden frame. After sanding and dusting, it is only important to work on the finish to give the frame a new shine