Frame restoration is an important aspect of our work at Custom Frame Services. Our resident restoration specialists work diligently and directly with each piece that comes into the shop, offering new life into damaged and aged frames. We sat down with Linnea, our main restoration specialist to explore her work in the restoration department at Custom Frame Services, Inc.

“The first thing I do is check the damage to the frame.” Linnea begins, “Are there simply missing ornaments or is there structural damage?” A large part of Linnea’s job at the shop is working on restorations of antique and damaged frames. She begins by assessing the frame and analyzing the best approach for treatment. She maintains a record of past projects and the various processes involved for treatment. Custom Frame Services also holds an extensive resource library for information regarding this type of work. The order of the work’s progression is determined, notes and photos are taken, before beginning, throughout the process, and of course, upon completion.

The damage generally takes the form of filling losses, both large and small, or structural damage such as loose corners or broken rails. Moldmaking, casting, glues, epoxy resins and wood fills are all part of the stabilization portion of the frame’s repair. Fills are sanded and carved to form matching the surrounding areas where they are placed. The final process is the toning and or refinishing the frame. Toning refers to matching a repaired area to the rest of the frame whereas refinishing refers to the finish over the whole frame. There is a large variety of treatments available for the toning and refinishing process. These can include gilding, mica powders, varnishes, paints, stains waxes and wet or dry mediums.”This is not something that is done overnight” Linnea said, in regards to the timeline for a typical restoration. “It takes time for the glues and fills to set. The finishes also are worked up in stages, each layer allowed to dry. We can’t just tell it to dry, it takes time and that can be beyond our control. The whole process takes time and effort to complete to our satisfaction.”

Linnea’s favorite piece to date has been a large four foot by six foot antique mirror that had shifted in transport to its new owner. The ornaments came in broken and missing, the supporting armature bent. It needed major help. This was Linnea’s first large-scale restoration.Everyone in the shop put time in on this piece but it certainly wetted Linnea’s appetite for restoration work.