How To Repair A Plaster Frame

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A Damaged Plaster Frame

DIY Antique Picture Frame Repair

I dearest to buy old picture frames because, well, I like quondam stuff. I am especially addicted of those former gilded plaster frames. They set off my landscape prints actually well. The simply drawback is that the ones in skillful shape aren't inexpensive, and the ones that are cheap are in poor repair.

Oh, woe is me; what's a poor girl to practice? Become to the library, of course. While in that location, I constitute a little book that told of ways to repair miscellaneous collectibles. And approximate what I found in this little book? Yes, yous guessed it. How to repair damaged gilded picture frames.

Merely Tin can I Repair and Restore the Pic Frame?

After reading through the instructions, I said to myself, "I could do that." And I did. In fact, my repairs were good enough to allow some of my meliorate frames to really be sold on eBay a few years back.

I just finished restoring a actually onetime frame that has been on my "to do" list for a long fourth dimension.

6 Steps to Repairing Your Picture Frame

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

One Pack of Modeling Clay

Abrasives to Smooth Edges — I tend to utilize what I have on hand

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

• 1 pack of modeling dirt
• One container of "Plaster of Paris"
• Chopsticks and disposable cup for mixing
• Water
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Abrasives to smoothen edges
• Wood gum
• Gold leaf paint
• Small foam brush

This Is Where We Begin

This is a pic of the frame after the plaster mold has been glued in place. Information technology may look a little rough at present, but wait till y'all see the fully restored frame.

Close up of Damage and Repair in Place

Step i: Clean the Frame

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

If you still have the drinking glass in it, utilize that blue tape to mask around the edges. (I like the blue stuff considering it comes off easily and doesn't exit whatever of itself behind). Let the frame dry completely.

Clay Softened and Ready To Get

Read More than From Feltmagnet

Step 2: Soften Upward the Clay

Now take the modeling dirt and soften it up in your hands so it can be easily worked. The clay will be used to make a mold of the undamaged parts of the frame and then the damaged parts can be filled in.

Making the Mold

The Mold of the Frame Scroll Work

Step 3: Make the Mold

The commencement thing to exercise is to thoroughly spay the part of the frame being used to brand the molds with cooking spray. Have a piece of the clay and brand a pocket-size block with it. Then flatten it till it reaches a size that will encompass the plaster decoration. Printing in over the section and press really hard. Remove the dirt. At present you lot have the mold for the missing parts.

It will take a piddling practice to get molds that will exist the right size. They must be thick enough to duplicate the blueprint simply thin enough so that you don't take a really thick molded slice. If the molded piece is too thick, information technology won't match the residuum of the frame. Somewhen, you will become the hang of it and become a dirt mold that volition exist a good fit.

Footstep iv: Mix the Plaster

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

Add 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 pour easily but not watery. If it is the consistency of pancake batter, it will be simply about right.

Mixing the plaster is the trickiest part considering if yous stir the plaster too hard, information technology gets full of bubbles, and these bubbles will harden in the mold ruining it. When y'all have shine, bubble-free plaster that is about the consistency of pancake batter, it's time to get rolling.

Step v: Make the Replacement

Now, spray the molds again with the cooking spray. This makes the plaster easier to remove from the mold. Pour in the plaster. Now here comes another use for the chopstick. Use it to level the bottom edge of the mold. You want it to exist as fifty-fifty as possible so it volition fit snugly onto the frame. Now let it dry overnight.

Footstep 6: Smooth the Mold Until It Fits

After the plaster has dried, remove information technology gently from the mold. At present comes the hardest office of the whole process. Employ an emery lath, a small screwdriver, or a sharp bract (you will accept to notice what works best for yous). The big the piece of plaster, the bigger tool you volition need.

All the rough edges and the back of the piece need to exist smoothed out. If it is a piddling also big to fit neatly into the spot to be repaired, just keep shaving it down until it fits.

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

Make sure that the surface of the frame is clean and dry. Put a picayune forest mucilage on your finger and spread it over the area where the plaster piece volition go. Do the aforementioned for the back of the plaster piece. Put the plaster piece into the spot, and information technology'south done.

Pictures of the Repaired Frame

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

Questions & Answers

Question: I have a really ornate frame on a large mirror. The plaster is croaky and some pieces take fallen off. What exercise you apply to fill cracks?

Answer: I just apply a little of the plaster of Paris utilise to brand the replacement pieces. In one case it is dry, I sand it shine.

Question: A moulded plaster of Paris frame is cracked right beyond in three places. It is not damaged enough to need replacement molding. Is wood glue suitable?

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

Question: How practice you match the old patina on the new piece?

Answer: I only repaint the whole frame.

Question: I have a late 19th. century guild flick frame for a flick measuring xl inches by 80 inches, the frame has been taken apart, it did have nails to keep it together ii and two and a half inches very thin nails, which I can't find and I am concerned that hammering the nails in, will cause harm to the frame. Could I use superglue to stick the frame together? The frame has the loops for the rope to hang the picture show on the two uprights of the frame.

Answer: I take no experience with the repair of the frame itself. With my knowledge of old things in general, I am non certain if superglue is the respond. I would advise checking out places that sell architectural salve to see if they sell the size boom you need. Besides, check for what they telephone call brads at the hardware store. They are nails used in putting up paneling or by upholsterers. If you lot must use glue I recommend gorilla gum and clamping the frame.

Question: What do y'all seal the new plaster with?

Respond: I just seal with wall primer.

Question: I demand to repair long narrow chips along the side of my plaster frame can I simply use plaster of Paris to fill in the area that is missing?

Answer: That's what I exercise.

Maria Cervantes on September 07, 2020:

Thank you for your tutorial on old frames. My question is, Can I use Bondo to make full in The cracks on my 1940's Gilt frame?

Elizabeth Morewood on Oct 02, 2017:

I have a couple of old golden framed pictures (1820s) and in places bits of the frames have fallen off. I have the pieces but please, how ccan I get them to stick back in place?

Jay Scott on Baronial 03, 2017:

Please don't apply water on any fine art- paintings or picture frames . American picture frames are generally fabricated with

Composition ( Compo) elements, not plaster. Water will swell the gesso layer and tin can cause mold . Make clean clay with a soft castor ,then wipe surface with mineral spirits - petroleum based cleaners simply.

Fine frames should exist repaired past a professional , using compo cloth.

Renate Bob on July 05, 2017:

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

Lose. I'm

Wondering if adding wood glue to the water will make information technology better to handle.

Kathy on January 23, 2017:

I have a antique picture frame and the corner broke off how can I reattach it I accept looked and looked I take the corner just not sure how to put information technology back.

jane cooper on Jan 17, 2017:

Thank you lot! I'grand going to try it.

Neb on January 13, 2017:

Enjoyed your post. Accept used epoxy wood in repair jobs. Verbal replication of blueprint is tempting and have thought about using molds, but take enjoyed sculpting the missing pieces. Mix and stick to cleaned wood/plaster and sculpt abroad. Have most xx minutes before sets up too much. Trim excess about immediately. Water on fingertips helps smooth out fingerprints. Also, could utilise bondo. Can add less hardener to prolong set time. Do final trim before completely hardened.

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

I e'er just repaint the whole frame. I have found information technology hard to try and lucifer the old pigment or gild.

Elizabeth Gamble on November 28, 2016:

If trying to effigy out the best painting solution for my repairs. The frame I am repairing is a large plaster cast gilt one which I think is painter. I would similar to match the paint,or Chou led I just paint information technology all? I tin send a photo if you tell me how to get it to you?

Ray on September 20, 2016:

Ray.

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

Irene on August 25, 2016:

More on how to paint gold leaf on repair

Jean on August 08, 2016:

Thank you!

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

I would need to see a pic of the frame only I am thinking that to indistinguishable the curve try ane. spay the frame with cooking spray. two. put the plaster in the mold. 3. printing the mold and the plaster to the frame curving information technology every bit you lot practice. 4. Let dry and remove. That should duplicated the curve of the frame.

freyda on May 19, 2016:

the missing gold leaf is actually a leafage on the office of the frame that is curved so the plaster mold is finished on the incorrect side of the curve, information technology is like a belveled function of the frame. when I made the mold correctly, It is too solid to employ, the leaf is curved correctly, but now I have a solid piece of plaster of paris...

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

Glad I could exist of assistance. It is such a simple set up. Expert luck and let me know how ii comes out!

Debbie on Feb 06, 2016:

Thanks I am off to Walmart to become my stuff. I got a great bargain on a frame for $three and could not pass it up. Information technology has 2 little places I know I tin can prepare now cheers to you and your info. It makes my money spent look really good now.

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

I use a identify on the opposite side of the frame and so turn it upside down.

Pat on February 02, 2016:

Any thoughts on how to do a mirror or contrary mold. The frame I would like to do is missing some leaf particular on one side. The undamaged side is reverse.

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 go through the process of making molds all around the frame , how do I prevent farther breakage of ornate pieces? Should I brush wood glue all over the frame then paint when it is dry?

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on June 18, 2015:

To get the plaster make it thicker only add more plaster to the mix. This should brand information technology harder when it sets up. If you lot are applying the plaster directly to the frame make sure the area is make clean and dry out.

Mike on April 16, 2015:

I demand to repair a thin layer of plaster on a frame, how exercise y'all brand the plaster harder and that it will stick to the frame

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

Sorry to have so long to reply merely I have been under the weather. Just an FYI. the knees are the first to go. I am so glad that my method has proved and so successful for everyone who has tried it.

Trapso on January 19, 2015:

What a great, clear post! I collect old flick frames at thou sales, antiquarian shops, etc. I take a mitre saw and and then I can take a large frame hand cut information technology to size for a smaller picture. I was staying abroad from old frames with damage such every bit you lot depict feeling that they were not repairable. At present I can get those as well and fix them up. I took a express edition impress we had purchased and made a frame to mensurate and did some repair on it. Looks great and at little cost compared to a framer who would have charged over a hundred dollars. Another thing you lot might try is a product called RubnBuff. It comes in a diversity of colors and I have used it for restoring/repairing. Expect it upwardly on the internet!

g on December 24, 2014:

well I figured it out. I used burnt umber, black and umber and made a mix tat perfectly matched the old clay 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 and so it was long and arched. What was I thinking??? However, it turned out really well and you lot can't even tell if you don't know that it is repaired. I tin can't believe I did that.

m on Dec 17, 2014:

what do y'all use to make the repair match the muddied parts that are darker? Antiquing was? If ound a 1966 article on it that used spackle and said to use 1/4 c picture show varnish and 1/iv t burnt umber and ane/4 t raw umber oil pigment to glaze it and then wipe it off. Thoughts?

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

Thanks for the question Kate. I didn't spray paint the frame. I purchased a gilt pigment from my local hardward store and used a foam brush then I wouldn't have to clean information technology. When you use it make certain to exercise so in a well ventilated place.

Kate on September 06, 2014:

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

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

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

Icandoit54 on Dec 09, 2013:

You are vivid! Usually I'm pretty crafty, but you lot got me on that one! Thank you. You are exactly right!

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

I would utilise forest filler to make full in the crack equally information technology won't aggrandize and then one time dry out, shine on plaster so it blends with the rest of the frame. Hope this helps

Icandoit54 on Dec 01, 2013:

Hey, I'1000 looking for communication. I have an one-time landscape with molded plaster frame. Information technology'due south cute. However the side of the frame cracked from aging and there is a hole in the side of the frame.it is in the square part of the frame on the side so there be no demand to mold. Do you lot think I could just make full the pigsty with plaster of Paris and shine 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 practice you think?

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

I know it will expect neat!

Lou on November 28, 2012:

Thanks for posting! This will allow me to fix my Married woman's Slap-up Grandmother's frame in time for Christmas!

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

let me know how your project turns out!

Ian on November 10, 2012:

That was excellent! Give thanks you so much. I'm off to do the work.

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

The only tricks to the gold leaf is to utilize in a well ventilated surface area as it has some very volatile solvent as information technology'southward base and apply one of the foam dispensable brushes then yous don't accept to worry about cleaning it up with another solvent. the hardest part near this whole process is getting the thickness of the clay molds and the resulting plaster slice the same thickness as the frame. Good luck and allow me know how information technology turns out.

graminva on October 20, 2012:

Is there any trick when it comes to painting the frame with the gold leaf? We have received an 83 yr old triple mirror with etching only the frame is missing parts and the golden leaf is flecking off in places. Going to show my husband these instructions before we ruin this antiquarian!!! Thank you.

reddog1027 (writer) from Atlanta, GA on September fifteen, 2012:

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

Louis on September 14, 2012:

Thanks for your corking advice! I take an old plaster film frame, and I'd dear to meet its former beauty without shelling out beaucoup dollars. Glad I've found your advice in repairing the frame.

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

Every bit e'er, I am so glad that yous take found this hub helpful.

jmb on August 26, 2012:

Thanks and so much for this tutorial, I am about to accept a big claiming. You take made it like shooting fish in a barrel!!!

Tony on June 10, 2012:

Cheers for the data. I appreciate information technology..Tony

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

I would just make clean it with a damp cloth. A coat of polyurethane would be a amend sealer. The water based ones are really nice to piece of work with. Lemon oil contains a solvent and it might harm the pigment or the plaster.

TONY on June 09, 2012:

HI, WAS LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO Take CARE OF Erstwhile PLASTER FRAMES. Take ONE WITH A WONDERFUL PICTURE THAT WAS MY MOMS.SHE ALWAYS LEMON OILED HER FURNITURE BUT I DON'T Call up SHE USED LEMON OIL ON THIS FRAME. DOES IT Demand OIL TO KEEP It FROM DRYING OUT? WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND. THANKS And so MUCH.

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

I didn't oil the frames that I have repaired every bit I paint them with a golden social club paint. Any oil would continue the paint from sticking to the frame.

Davene on June 08, 2012:

I constitute your instructions on fixing an old plaster frame. Could you recommend oiling the frame later on repair? I know too wet isn't good, only would mineral or lemon oil help? Cheers then much,

Furniture Refinishing Restoration on May 25, 2012:

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

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

Again, I am so glad you found this helpful.

puckdropper on May 01, 2012:

I am going to use this technique to repair a 100 year former frame my wife and I have carried with us for seven years subsequently information technology slipped from its' hangers. Thanks for existence here, I was suspecting to have use this technique. You confirmed I am going in the correct direction. Again cheers.

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

Glad you constitute this hub helpful Alex. If I can do it, anyone can.

Alex on March 17, 2012:

thanks so much I have carried an one-time frame effectually with me for years and didn't take the time or information to fix it now I will before every bit of it falls off.

reddog1027 on February 12, 2012:

I just utilise a petty window cleaner spray similar Windex. It is booze based and then it dissolves the oil.

Dee Loris on Feb 12, 2012:

How do you clean off the spray before you paint the frame?

dave on January 24, 2012:

it takes a lot to impress me and this post has done it. I tin can fix anything but never tried this altho i have done casting in plaster before.Hither'due south some tips from experience for new and old alike.

you tin can order casting plaster in 25 kilo numberless at a adept builders g far cheaper than craft shop little bags.you lot can put plaster to the water if job is sealed to stop whatever bubbling whatever forming and tap to level when topped up.I institute a gold spray paint called mr christmas "brand" was the best luxury finish y'all could wish for but non known if still in product based in blackpool.lancs.spraying with black first enhances the finish on gilded paint gives a luxurious pro consequence.hope this goes on here as its skilful 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 every bit if there is a gouge out of the corner. I would try edifice it upward with a couple of sparse layers of plaster, let information technology dry out really well and smooth. And then make a mold of the coil piece of work on the corner that is kitty corner to the one that needs the repair. You may accept to experiment with the level of the background to go it to a point where the scroll piece of work is even with the surrounding areas. Permit me know if in that location is annihilation I tin can do.

Ballad

AmandaS on June 23, 2011:

Oops here is the picture URL...

http://imageshack.united states/photo/my-images/43/imag0411y....

AmandaS on June 23, 2011:

Help! Really like the how-to! Yet, 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 accept a matching corner just I have no thought how to go almost cloning that corner and making it work in the broken area. Unfortunately the edges of the frame are decoratively rounded adding to the difficulty. I accept tried taking a mold of the unabridged in-tact corner simply I just cannot get it. Any 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 just bought a gilded plaster frame today that is in need of some restoration.

I can't look to endeavor this technique out and see the results. Cheers for the advice.

Mary Anne on January 12, 2011:

Okay, thanks! I volition try it tomorrow. Then glad I constitute this post!

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

I have constitute that making a clay mold is easier than trying to cut the pieces of plaster every bit they tend to break and crumble. Effort the molds starting time. Y'all may have to brand a few to get the look only right.

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

I am so glad you found this information helpful. The hardest part of the whole thing is getting a good plaster casting fabricated. If the first ones don't turn out right, merely keep tweaking till yous get it right.

Amanda on December 31, 2010:

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

Sandy Jauregui from Sanger on September 17, 2010:

Thank you, you've given me inspiration to try it on some of my old mirrors...:))

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

If I can do it, I am confident you can too. 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 cracking grandmother on my father'south side. It has seen better days and I simply began wondering if I should expect for someone to repair it or if I should try it myself. I didn't know that it was plaster on woods until I found this Hub. At present I know I tin do it and your instructions filled in the gaps in my knowledge. I feel confident now that I can make the frame look similar new.

Thanks once again!!!

Picture Glass Frames on May nineteen, 2010:

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

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

I am so glad you found this hub helpful. Once I read it, I idea, hey I can do that. And I did. And if I can do information technology anyone tin can. It's a swell way to return a damaged frame back to usefulness.

KathyNE on April eighteen, 2010:

Thank you and then much for taking the time to post such a corking source of information! You did a very curtailed and easy to follow description of the process.

reddog1027 (author) from Atlanta, GA on April 18, 2010:

I am glad y'all found the hub helpful, babalooga. Information technology is a shame to let such beautiful frames go to waste when it is and then piece of cake to gear up them.

babalooga on April 18, 2010:

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

thanks!!! thanks!!! thanks!!!

Christine Mulberry on February 12, 2010:

Wow, that does await similar something that's not also hard to exercise. Dandy tutorial!

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

Most former frames are held together past nails or small pegs. Over time holes effectually them become bigger, a trivial wood putty in the holes may be all information technology will have.

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

This was a wonderful hub!!! So informative and detailed. When I saw the title, I saw aureate frame repair and missed the plaster part...reading to fast...but the whole process of this is really uncomplicated....I take a gilded antique woods frame which is very onetime and coming apart at the corners, no other harm except information technology is separating in that location....demand to figure out how to put it affluent over again without damaging it. Guess I should get to the library or maybe google information technology....thank you lot for this hub!! I enjoyed it

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

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