How to duplicate picture frame details?
by
Alan Brown
+8
How do DIYers duplicate broken or missing details on antique picture frames? We generally use spackling to fill in small cracks or holes, but have been unsuccessful in duplicating missing pieces which are usually made from a plaster-like material.
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If the frame is wood... I would recommend using wood putty.
Alan- I have seen it done, but not done it myself- you have to create a mold with a clay or polymer over an existing section of the frame that you want to replicate. you would then pour plaster into the mold. you can sand/trim it, and gilt if necessary.
Don’t laugh, but if the details you need to make are smaller...silly putty as a mold.
You could use a modeling clay, lightly press it to a complete section of the frame, trim it to the size you need it and then use a plaster of Paris, or something that dries hard. You will probably have to trim it to fit right, but it should replace the damage pretty well, and you could use putty to fill any space between the original work and the replacement area.
I have seen several of the DIY TV guys or gals (Karen on HGTV's Good Bones) use a latex mold kit... to replicate details on frames or wood work... then use the custom mold to form plaster or a wood filler...
A 3D printer would do the trick.
Here's how we fixed the broken & ornate pieces from our vintage frame.
https://hippieandsparky.com/fix-a-broken-vintage-frame
After a few gorgeous coats of spray paint, it's really hard to tell anything was broken or missing. Hope this helps!
Thank you!