How to Refinish or Guild Picture Frames

Picture frames set the ambiance with the appearance for a picture or art work. The biggest struggle with beautiful custom framing is the cost of getting it professionally done. It is important to know how to do it yourself to save money. Gilding refers to refinishing your frame with a gold leaf and is a relatively simple process. There are many types of products and materials to refinish gold frames from gold paint to gold leafs.

Paint brush
2 oz. jar of adhesive
5 1/2 in. by 5 1/2 in. gold leaf sheets

Instructions

- 1
  Spread a thin layer of adhesive on to the picture frame using a paint brush. Do not let the adhesive form any ridges or waves.
- 2
  Apply one gold leaf sheet on the adhesive, allowing it to glue to the frame. Be careful as you place it down as they are thin and light.
- 3
  Rub you fingers along the gold leaf sheet to smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles. Use soft cotton gloves to avoiding tearing or scratching the gold leaf sheet.
- 4
  Brush adhesive to the following section along the frame and layer the next gold leaf sheet. If there is a small broken section, you may add more to fill in the gap.
- 5
  Lift off any remaining gold leaf sheet excess that may surpass the edges.
- 6
  Brush a protective coat of sealer over the top of the newly gold leafed frame. Use a heavier coat on high traffic sections. Allow to dry for 24 hours before mounting or hanging on a wall.

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