Cleaning Gilded Picture Frames

The materials can be safely removed in the studio and replaced with acid free conservation grade boards that protect the artwork and prevent any further damage.

Cleaning gilded picture frames. If the frame is structurally sound the gilded and painted surface should be first cleaned with an acetone based specialty cleaner. Special care must be taken when handling and cleaning gold to ensure damage isn t done to the surface. Spray 1 tbsp of window cleaner on a paper towel. Old picture frames often contain backing and mount boards that have a high level of acid.

The safest general method is using a clean white cotton cloth cotton balls or q tips and the barest amount of clean. Find a flat surface such as a tabletop and cover an area at least three times the size of the picture frame with towels. Using other brushes or too much force could damage the surface. A gilded frame in good condition may only need a light dusting or touch up.

If you do not take the frame to a professional be sure to only use a soft bristle brush feather duster cotton swab or lint free cloth to clean the frame and do so gently. Open the frame and gently remove the picture backing and the picture or photo. After the frame is well cleaned any noted scratches or gouges are filled in and the surface sanded smooth with gilt based filler. Tiny crevices can be cleaned with cotton swabs.

Wipe the gilt frame gently with the turpentine soaked sponge including the sides of the frame and the back. Check any gold leafed frame. Gently place the frame face down on the towels. Kenn cleans a gilded frame.

Frames are made from numerous materials including plastic wood clay crystal and even gold. This acid transfers from the boards to the artwork causing it to discolour and degrade. Clean gold picture frames with help from the owner of an antique. Cleaning gold picture frames is something that you have to do in a very specific way so that you don t end up damaging the piece.

Some cleaning guidelines determining these proper treatments and solutions on a valuable piece requires a great deal of experience and often a.