Gold Leaf

[smurfchops]

I have some ornate picture frames which have been gold leafed. However the gold leaf has become dull and dark and I want to brighten them up with a lighter gold paint. Can anyone recommend what paint I should use?

[snook]

I've got a small jar here, it's Plasti-Kote fast-dry enamel (antique gold B34) which I used for something similar. I got it from a large DIY retailer - any similar place that sells paints should have it, or something like it. It's a brush-on paint, by the way, and if it looks a bit dark for your particular use there are other shades.

[woofgang]

it might just be dirt or oxidation, assuming the ftames arent valuable, try a gentle rub with cotton wool wetted with a detergent solution. If the wool comes off grubby then go ahead and clean. You would probably want to anyway before re coating. The other stuff yoy can use is a wax gilding called rub and buff which produces a nice antique effect

[woofgang]

http://www.goldingcraft.com/rubnbuf.htm

available both in the US and UK from craft suppliers

[rampart]

Judie, I do not know the value of your paintings and frames, but gold leaf is usually quite costly. Be sure whatever you buy is recommended in particular for gold leaf. We have several frames in gold leaf, and we have sent them out in the past for professional cleaning and restoration. It is not as expensive as you might think.

Also, try never to touch gold leaf with your bare hands, as the acid is harmful to it. Put on a pair of cotton gloves if you must handle the frame. Also, a light dusting with a dry feather duster on at least a weekly basis should help it stay clean for years.

[smurfchops]

Thank you everyone you have been very helpful. A few years ago, I used a tube of Goldfinger on these frames, which I believe is gold leaf, however as I say I now want to 'touch up' the frames as the Antique Gold colour seems a bit dark - I have just redecorated and I think this makes the gold look even darker. It is great stuff but around �8.50 a tube - I bought one a couple of weeks ago, but got the wrong colour - the frames still look as dark as before! So I wanted something a little less costly as I have effectively just wasted �8.50!