The Framers Forum

Good looking frame Geoff. I shall continue to watch your posts with quiet admiration and jealousy.
I'm curious as to you using schlagg leaf and powders, instead of gold leaf, considering the same amount of prep. work and finishing - or is it a multi frame job?

I totally disagree with moving this discussion to a hidden members only section. There is an important argument to be had here about where picture framing is going and guests should be able to listen in on the debate. The present situation where "high street" framing methods dominates the ...

Good to see I exited some friction. Having a FATG sticker does elevate a framer to a higher degree of standards above say, enthusiastic amateur. It also offers an assurance of the quality of workmanship for the customer. REAL framing is closer to rocket science when you consider the requirements of ...

Ok, I'm sorry if I appear to denigrate the work of picture framing within my described catagory 1. I was simply trying to establish some parameters to apply to the argument of good taste in framing. If framing is done in say, catagory 1 with skill and enthusiasm and not just dismissed as something n...

At last! A decent discussion and a good reality check. I would see the business of picture framing split into three catagories. 1, The framing of low value decorative art and effemera. Here we would look for neatly joined frames using mass produced mouldings, cleanly cut cardboard mounts and due car...

My sympathy on this one. Sanding gesso is a pain. It can be overcome however, and when done well, the results are quite beautiful. I really have to get back to basics and say that the only practical and easy way of applying gesso is with a spraygun. It doesn't have to be an expensive one, £30 to £40...

You can clean goldleaf and I presume a watergilded slip within the frame. Use clean cold water and cotton wool and very gently wipe one side at a time.Always be careful not to rub through to the goldleaf. These slips usually had a thin size coating and it's this coating which has become dirty. Cold ...

The glue size I mean is made from rabbit skin glue, made up to a standard of one part vol of glue to 10 parts vol water; then diluted by a quarter. This size is essentially liquid gelatine which when dry, leaves a clear film over the surface and so increases the light reflection of the gilding. The ...

Hello Phil Prosero is right, the frame has been painted with gold paint.You can remove it as follows, but bear in mind that you would want an overall antique tone to the resulting finish.So the best thing is to remove the paint in gradual layers untill you achieve a finish that best suits the painti...

Grahamg,I hav'nt got any current photos as yet. They can be applied to some of the plain wood mouldings such as those from Rose and Holliss. You would rout out a track on the moulding first, gesso the moulding, and then glue on the compo ornament.

Here is a selection of compo ornaments which I can supply. All the castings are hand pressed and cut from moulds of 'running patterns'. In order to utilise their elasticity, they are best used within a week or so of pressing. Prices range from £3.00 per foot (001,011,012); £3.50 (002,003); £4.00 (00...

Thanks for your interest in my compo castings, I'll make some up and photograph them with sizing and prices.

I have a number of compo moulds and would be interested in selling individual compo castings, if there is a market. Most are running patterns and are 12 to18inch lenght. I need to photgraph them first and decide on a useful production price but if anyone is interested, please say.

Imitation gold, or aliminium metal leaf can be water leafed, but will not burnish. I'm afraid you will have to use real gold if you want a burnished effect. When gilding is burnished, it's really the bole underneath the gold that polishes, so when you try to burnish the metal leaf, it is so thick as...

The best woods for an even straight grain are the fruitwoods, as used in antique frames. Cherry wood is available from Lion. As already explained, wet the wood, allow to dry and then sand with 320 grit paper.

I use the Fiddes range of wood stains including their concentrated colours. If you're going to wax over the colour, I'd recommend the Fiddes shellac sanding sealer. Save on postage by buying through "Rest Express"

Look on Van-Dyke stain as a base antiquing colour. It can be mixed with any commercial water based wood stain to give that stain an antique tint. Best mixed to a med to strong colour( hot water for mixing) and then diluted to use. The stain will keep indefinately.

If you are going to spray gesso you will need a better compressor. Best is a compressor with at least a 50litre tank; buy one off e-bay.This will give you a smooth continuous supply of air. Make geeso with rsg 1 part to 10 parts water, mixed 50:50 whiting to glue.Heat up to 70C and fill the spray gu...

From what you've said, it appears your gesso is too strong. A good mix for the glue is one part vol glue to 10 parts vol water, then a mix of 50:50 whiting to glue. Make sure the gesso dries slowly and don't build up too thick a layer.