Woodworks by John
CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Thought I'd share a recent frame, it's a 12" x 16" and made of the Basswood profile I recently had Barger Molding here in Phoenix mill for me. I wanted a profile that could be used with stretched canvas so it has a deep enough rabbet and is 4" wide. This one isn't carved but instead black with gold which seems to be quite popular. After mitering the pieces they were biscuited, glued, and clamped overnight. I know this technique is often done using liners but the process I decided to use was to first do the entire frame with a red burnisher/sealer. The areas to be gilded were taped off and then a slightly thinned coat of Japan Black was brushed on the panels and edges. Once cured, the gilded areas were taped off, sized, and gilded. This time I used quick set size but don't like it as much as slow set which seems to give a better bond for the metal leaf. I'd rather wait overnight to gild then be unsatisfied with the bond.
Usually I'll spray a coat of shellac over the gold to protect it but didn't want that shiny finish on the black. Decided to use my 3 part top coat for furniture to protect it instead. This was applied with cheesecloth and a bit of rottenstone was added to help abrade the gold. Did the same thing to the entire frame with the goal in mind of exposing some of the red highlights and add warmth. Not sure if this is the "proper procedure" to obtain this finish but is seemed to work. The 3 part mix I use is equal parts of pure gum turpentine, boiled linseed oil, and polyurethane.
The painting is by my wife (Diane Eugster) and is titled Study in Blue, it was accepted into the American Impressionists Society small works show that will be in Costa Mesa. Not too sure if this is the accepted manner of going about this process but I have a couple of artists ordering the same frame so it must be okay! Appreciate your comments!
Usually I'll spray a coat of shellac over the gold to protect it but didn't want that shiny finish on the black. Decided to use my 3 part top coat for furniture to protect it instead. This was applied with cheesecloth and a bit of rottenstone was added to help abrade the gold. Did the same thing to the entire frame with the goal in mind of exposing some of the red highlights and add warmth. Not sure if this is the "proper procedure" to obtain this finish but is seemed to work. The 3 part mix I use is equal parts of pure gum turpentine, boiled linseed oil, and polyurethane.
The painting is by my wife (Diane Eugster) and is titled Study in Blue, it was accepted into the American Impressionists Society small works show that will be in Costa Mesa. Not too sure if this is the accepted manner of going about this process but I have a couple of artists ordering the same frame so it must be okay! Appreciate your comments!
Rick