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."