Help me .

[my fathers son]

I am in the process of restoring an antique mirror frame and would be greatful if any one could tell me what kind of wood would be best for this application as there is a considerable amount of detail involved so I need a somewhat soft wood I assume but am unsure as to what I need .

[Mitchell]

I would think that you would want to use the same type wood that is currently on the frame. It would make matching the old/new easier.

[Bob K.]

I agree with Mitchell...you should use the same wood that's already on the mirror. Or you can use basswood and stain it the same color, but that can be tricky.

[my fathers son]

Sir , thank you for your reply , however , I am in need of knowing if this is the only kind of wood I should use or are there more kinds ? I am not concerned about matching a stain as the frame has been painted and the owner is not worried about it , she just would like to have it repaired . any further help you could offer would be appreciated .

[mpounders]

Here is a link to the Janka hardness table Very Useful Wood Hardness Table

For comparison purposes, Balsa is rated 100 on the scale but it is much too soft to carve and hold any detail. Red Cedar and White Pine are rated 350-380, but tend to split easily when carving and growth rings might tend to show through paint. Basswood is rated 410 and is preferred by most carvers because it has very even grain and carves so well; it also would paint well. Poplar is rated a little harder at 540 and might also work, although it has more grain. Maple, Walnut, and Oak are rated around 1000 as far as hardness, but oak will have pores that need filler before painting. I would choose basswood or poplar if I were carving a picture frame to be painted or gilded. You can get good basswood from Heinecke Wood and I believe they can custom cut it to whatever size you might want.

[Mitchell]

If it's going to be painted, basswood should work great - assuming it will be carved with hand tools.

[AlArchie]

I agree with Mitch and Mike...if it's going to be painted, go with basswood. Seal it before painting and you should get a good finished surface.

Al

[Big Barn]

Actually, if you're going to paint it - maybe you should use a slightly harder wood than basswood - mayber try poplar. It's mainly used in furniture building (the wood you don't see) & isn't too hard for a knife. Now it doesn't stain worth a crap - but paints just fine.

[Donsexton]

I worked in an antique restoration shop a lifetime ago but as I recall most of the ornately carved mirrors were made from mahogany.

[Big Barn]

Could you post a picture of the mirror with the area to be repaired ?