Paint For Picture Frame

[jourdain2]

Not sure if this should be in here or Art & Lit..
We were recently lucky enough to buy, quite cheaply, a lovely oil-painting by the artist we collect at auction. Because the auction and viewing took place when we were on holiday we went by the on-line image of the painting - just the painting. Now we have it, the painting is gorgeous, no problem, BUT some nitwit has repainted the original gilt frame with a silk-finish taupe colour. Doubtless this was to make it fit in decoratively, or someone noticed similar tones in the mid-ground and thought it would help. It doesn't, to say the least. I recognised the frame as one of the artist's standard ones and a tiny scrape on the side revealed the usual gold colour.

Question: I've spent some weeks looking for appropriate paint and can't really find any. I want paint to apply with a brush and the colours I have found are in sprays. Any recommendations as to paint and where I can get it? Also, does anyone know if it would be possible to remove the layer of offending paint and, if so, how?

Complicated question, sorry. Any help gratefully received. Thanks.

[Old_Geezer]

Not that complicated a question, but there are two of them.

No expert but it occurs to me it's easier to strip back to the wood than to carefully remove a top coat. Sure it's not gold leaf below ? There are strippers you spread on, leave for 24 hours, then peel (most) off. Leaves you a small bit of sanding afterwards.

As for the paint, can't advise, but when I used to paint models there used to be lots of metalic pots at the hobby shops. Unsure why you'd be against spraying though. It's quick and gives a good finish.

[rowanwitch]

I would be tempted to get quotes for proper restoration and regilding. If you want to paint liquid leaf gives a reasonable effect especially if you polish it up afterwards with a little smear of dark shoe polish to age it up a bit.

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It would probably be cheaper to use real gold leaf though.

[Buenchico]

It's not clear from your question whether you can remove the painting from the frame, in order to carry out the work you want to do, or whether you're hoping to leave the picture in situ while you work. (That might make a difference to the suggestions which people post here).

Have you considered using imitation gold leaf though? You can buy it on Amazon and this video shows you how to use it:

[jourdain2]

Difficult to get into the nooks and crannies O-G, but thanks for the answer. I'd have to do some research to discover, but I don't think it's gold leaf. We have several paintings with which to compare frames. I may end up having a go with a spray, but I remember my dad 'freshening-up' the frame of the one I grew-up with and inherited (which started all this) and he had a small pot of gold paint. I can't find it.

[rowanwitch]

Gedeo gilding liquid is a whole lot cheaper looks quite good.

[jourdain2]

Buenchico - sorry, yes I can remove it from the frame. Again, I recognise the artist's technique with framing, so I'm loath to disturb it, but it can be done - just a shame to interfere with original handiwork. Thanks, I'll have a look at your video. It's a beautiful painting and worth revitilising.

[jourdain2]

rowanwitch, thank you, just seen yours. Lots to think about now and I was feeling a bit stymied. :)

[TonyV]

you can get paint mixed to a colour of your choice at most DIY sheds if you can give a sample of the colour you want, even just a a bit of paper.