I am planning a set of carved oval picture frames with convex glass as an anniversary gift for some friends of mine.

My question, is it worth the trouble to gild the frames, or does gold acrylic paint look just as good? I expect I would need to antique over the paint.

[AlArchie]

Rick, you might try that rub-on gilt paste from the craft/hobby stores. I've picked it up at Tru-Valu Hardware, too. That worked pretty good on a few restorations I've done. I believe it comes in gold, antique gold, silver, and pewter.

Never tried it on new work but don't see why it wouldn't work.

Al

[mdallensr]

Rick, I hope you'll post some photos of those mirrors. I've done a couple of lady's hand mirrors and plan to do some more (one is posted on the picturetrail site under relief and decorative items). Good patterns are hard to find, so any tips you may have will be appreciated. I haven't gilded any carvings yet, so your comments on that will be helpful as well.

[lorax]

Rick, I used something called Liquid Leaf on the edge/frame of a carving then coated it with a clear laquer and it looked pretty close to gold leaf. I got it at Michaels Crafts, if you ever leafed you know what a pain it can be not to mention the expense.

I need to buy the glass first to determine how to fit it to the frame, I found them for $24.95 each for 8 x 10 inch convex ovals. So I am still a ways from applying any gold, but I need to compare application results so I am prepared when the time comes.

[lorax]

Good Luck and dont forget the pictures

[Nancy_G]

Rick, as luck would have it, in the new (August, 2003) edition of Decorative Artist's Workbook magazine - available anywhere magazines are sold - there's a great 'how to' article on gold leaf with lots of photos and instructions ... even some tips on correcting mistakes.

Thanks, Nancy