AboutEileen Cronk Expertise If you are decorating your home on a budget I can answer most questions about what to look for when buying "good old stuff" at garage sales, yard sales or auctions. I can answer most questions about the refinishing, and repairing of wood items. I have had lots of experience in this area and made lots of mistakes over the years which I may help you avoid.
Experience I have been haunting auction sales,flea markets etc. for 30 yrs. I have worked extensively at refinishing, and repairing all the old stuff I bring home. I also work for other people, and do repairs and refinishing for several antique stores.
Expert: Eileen Cronk Date: 2/22/2008 Subject: removing white paint
Question I have bought two antique french mirror frames. I started to remove the paint with mitromores (a painting stripper here in the uk) and exposed black and gold under neath. The black is now a milky grey. I am thinking of having them dipped and stripped do you have a better solution
thanks
kelly
Answer Hi Kelly
Nice to hear from you.
These mirrors are usually plaster and cannot be stripped this way.
This is a job for a conservator and unfortunately this is a very costly job.
The milky grey you see could be the plaster dissolving.
What a shame someone painted these mirrors.
I think you are stuck with repainting.
I am in Canada, and here we have a method of making something look old with paint.
Its simple. You paint the frame, then apply an antique gel over that.
Sorry not more encouraging.
And get back to me if you need further info on this method.
Kindest Regards
Eileen
