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."