Turn a basic frame into an instant "antique" by using this method of creating a gilded finish.
Supplies:
- Plastic molded segments (from arts and crafts shops)
- Low-sheen red latex paint
- Two soft nylon brushes
- Sandpaper (220-grit)
- Water-based quick-size sealer
- White cotton gloves
- Book of Dutch metal leaf
- White craft glue
- Water-based varnish
Instructions:
- Paint the frame and molded segments with two coats of red paint. Let each coat dry and sand lightly. Dust with clean cloth and tack rag.
- Apply quick-size sealer to the segments. Leave for 15 minutes (it will still be tacky). Wearing white gloves, cut the spine from the book of Dutch metal leaf. Cut enough sheets to cover the segments. Quarter each sheet, leaving the protective paper.
- Move the top piece of paper from one sheet so that about 1/4 inch of gold leaf protrudes. Turn the leaf and paper over and lay the protruding leaf at the top of the segment. Slide the paper from beneath as you position the leaf. Then peel off the top paper. Apply the next quarter sheet the same way, overlapping the previous sheet about 1/4 inch. Continue until the segments are covered.
- Tamp gold leaf down with a soft, clean brush, taking care not to touch the size with the brush and making sure that all the size—and the segments—are covered with gold.
- Arrange the gilded segments on the frame, glue down, clamp and leave overnight to set.
- Finish the frame with a water-based varnish.
The Reader’s Digest Association Inc./GID
A gilded finish on a frame will make it look like an antique.
