Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/14/2007

Question
This frame's surface appears to be cracking is missing some small pieces. I believe that the material is some sort of plaster that was applied to the surface. their are areas' that are separating from the surface and I need to find how I can repair this

Answer
Hi John
Nice to hear from you.
Just copied and pasted these directions for you John.
I have repaired hundreds of frames over the years this way.
If its not clear please get back to me
Regards
Eileen
Chipped frames can be patched with a thick mixture of spackling compound or plaster of paris. Roughly form the design you want to duplicate with the patching compound. Position the rough patch material, and lightly press it against the frame. Then, with the tip of a craft knife or a toothpick, shape the compound so it blends in with the design. It will probably be impossible to match the design exactly, but the repair won't be noticeable.

Let the patch dry completely, and then spot-stain or paint it to blend it with the rest of the frame. Test the colors on a chunk of dried spackling compound or plaster of paris before you apply the mixture to the frame repair. You should be able to color-blend the patch perfectly.