Removing paint from a picture frame can be a challenging process. Often picture frames have intricate detail work, carvings, applied trims and other features that may be delicate or glued to the undersurface of the frame. A laminated frame indicates that one material has been applied over another in the creation of the actual frame. Removing paint in these circumstances has to be approached carefully.
Instructions
1. Spread a drop cloth over a table in an outdoor area (out of direct sun) or in a garage with good ventilation. Position the picture frame in the center of the drop cloth.
2. Test if the gold leaf paint is solvent-based by putting on protective goggles and gloves and dipping a cotton-tipped swab in mineral spirits. Work the cotton-tipped swab across the gold-painted surface and check for reactions between the paint the the cotton-tipped swab. If the paint is solvent-based the paint should come off on the cotton-tipped swab and be partially dissolved on the frame.
3. Clean water-based gold leaf paint by dipping a cotton-tipped swab in water and rubbing the gold paint. If the paint is water-based then it should begin to lift or loosen, with gold paint coming off on the cotton-tipped swab.
4. Strip a large frame (with solvent-based gold leaf paint) using a stripper if the mineral spirits does not work effectively. Keep in mind that a laminate frame will use glues that may also react to either mineral spirits or stripper. Because of this it is best to test a small, discrete spot on the frame first to see how the frame reacts. Spritz the stripper with rubbing alcohol after you apply it to keep the stripper from drying out too quickly. Be careful to watch for any signs of delamination and to stop the stripping process if the glue starts to react.
5. Brush the stripped paint off using a paint stripper pad, scrapers and even small tools or toothpicks and rags if they are needed. Rinse the stripped frame with hot water (cold water will make some strippers gummy.) Strippers can also work to strip water-based paints if you can determine the surface under the gold leaf paint isn't gesso.
6. Wash the frame with a stripper wash if no hot water is available. Dry the frame thoroughly. Be sure to remove all of the paint and all of the stripper as both may discolor or react under a new finish.
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