Do your frames and a future conservator a favour, consult a conservator now!
Sorry if I sound flippant but as a conservator I have had to deal with
the removal of curators induced 'touching up' and it has doubled the
amount of work and my fees.

Dominique Rogers


> I have seen a dark wax used to cover damaged areas.  Unlike paints and
> dyes, it is reversible, and it can be used to fill in missing shapes.  A
> conservator could probably tell you if this is a good idea or not, and
> recommend the best type of material (brands of wax and pigment) to use.
>
> Robert Lopata wrote:
> >
> > Does anyone have experience with 'touching up' 18th or 19th century
> > frames which have been slightly damaged (i.e. heavily scraped or having
> > small pieces of knocked off).
> >
> > My main goal is to try to find something to paint, or dye, or otherwise
> > darken areas of exposed wood to match the existing design. Of course I
> > don't want to hinder the efforts of a professional frame restoration at
> > some later date, but would like to do something to improve the current
> > shaby appearance.
> >
> > I have heard of teas, and certain types of paints being used.
> >
> > Any suggestions?
> >
> > -Rob
> > [log in to unmask]
>
> --
> James H Tichgelaar
> Registrar, Arkansas State University Museum
> http://museum.astate.edu
>
> "All we ever wanted was everything.  All we ever got was cold."


Dominique A.Rogers