This project involved replacing a piece of decorative vine missing from this 20th century gilt mirror frame. The lost area is indicated in the photo above with two red arrows. A clear representation of the missing area was located (by the single red arrow above) to provide a copy. Visual analysis of the original frame construction indicated a .5" wooden backing adhered to a cast decorative front. This surface was finished with oil gilded gold leaf.
The approach used in this repair involved re-creating the processes of its original construction. First I traced an outline of the sample area on a .5" thick piece of balsa wood, and then cut the design out with a band saw. A mold impression of the top surface sample area was then made using a two part mold making material (silicone rubber). A cast of this mold was then made using a two part epoxy putty. This piece was sanded flat on the back prior to adhering the mold to the wood substrate, then shaped to remove excess material . This joined piece was then glued to the frame. The replacement piece was easily isolated so no gilding overlap would occur. I chose a traditional oil gilding size manufavtured by Le Franc & Bourgeois and 23.75 K Italian gold leaf. After the size had reached an appropriate tack the leaf was adhered and allowed to set thoroughly before a sealer coat of shellac was applied. The newly gilt area was then toned to match its surroundings using an oil based glaze and marble dust.
