The Framers Forum

Triptych in poplar water gilded with a black outer. Almost no distressing.

Just brilliant!!

Looks stunning, Geoff.

Looks great...well done.Do you do much gilding ?

That is just so nice! Real class!

Very impressed!

Nice Geoff
suits really well

did you also do the woodworking?

Very nice, that isn't what I was expecting. How did you do the frame?

Thank you for your comments.

Once a template was prepared from the paintings it was quite a simple procedure to cut the frame shape, it being a one part moulding, The frame simply followed the shape of the panels. inner profile was made using the router. I wanted more of a dull black on the outer edge and used a green/black base before applying the final colour. If ever I make a green I prefer to start using a yellow first and adding black and go along that road rather than the conventional colour choice. Painted oak in particular I think looks much better done this way. try it, and see the results. Mentioning oak: a tip,to get a lovely school desk colour to oak simply mix water and ordinary cement together to form the consistency of single cream. Apply this all over the oak and leave to completely dry, It will dry a pale grey. Next just with wire wool (000) remove the cement. you will see the lime in the cement has reacted with the tannin in the timber and turned it a warm colour. Simply work a clear beeswax into the timber, polish with a zebra wheel and it's finished. Other substances can also be used for other effects, but this is a very simple one. Many of you might already know this and others that work well with oak.

Regarding the gilding enquiry, yes I have been gilding for a number of years, frames, tables. chairs, cabinets etc. This frame was water gilded over first a yellow, then red clay ground. The ground was polished very smooth before the leaf was applied. I'm sure many gilders on here know exactly what I mean.

That's a very impressive frame! I would love to know how much a customer might have to pay for this?

Tried the tip with the oak frame today and love the result! Will definitely be added to our offerings- Thank you

That looks stunning. I enjoy looking at the examples of brilliant work on this forum!