How to Restore an Antique Chalk Picture Frame
Antique chalk picture frames are generally made of gypsum composites and/or wood. These frames are typically ornate, with many details. They can be found in museums, holding precious art pieces. If you have an antique chalk picture frame that has lost its detail, you can restore it yourself without having to take it to an antique restoration service. You'll only need some common household items and a little patience. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Plastic sheeting
- Rubber gloves
- Dish soap
- Bucket
- Sponges
- Steel wool
- Mineral spirits
- Cloths
- Wood putty
- Ultra-fine sandpaper
- Wood sealer
- Microfiber cloth
Instructions
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1
Spread plastic sheeting over a workbench or table. Then lay the antique chalk frame on top of the plastic.
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2
Put on rubber gloves and squirt dish soap into a bucket. Fill the bucket with warm water. Throw a sponge into the bucket and let it absorb the soapy water for two to three minutes.
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3
Wipe down the antique chalk picture frame with the warm, soapy water using the sponge. Remove the dust and dirt to get a clean surface to work with. Rinse with plain water and another clean sponge.
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4
Dip steel wool into a can of mineral spirits and gently scrub the antique chalk picture frame to restore the details in the frame. Scrub in small circles, concentrating on problem areas.
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5
Rinse the antique picture frame with plain water and a sponge once thoroughly cleaned with mineral spirits. Wipe dry with cloths thereafter.
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6
Take off the rubber gloves and fill any holes or cracks in the antique chalk picture frame with wood putty, using your fingertips. Let the putty dry as long as recommended by the manufacturer.
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7
Abrade the antique chalk picture frame gently with ultra-fine sandpaper, then wipe down with a clean, dry cloth.
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8
Apply a coat of wood sealer to the antique chalk picture frame with a clean, unused cloth and let dry for 12 hours or as long as directed by the manufacturer. Buff with a microfiber cloth to finish the restoration.
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