How to Repair a Gesso Frame

Never pass up a damaged Gesso frame or mirror 

Here's an easy way to repair it

 This mirror was missing gesso in two areas

You will need two products

1) Clay that hardens when baked, available at craft stores

2) Epoxy putty, found at hardware stores

Step 1  Soften the clay and apply it over an area of the mirror similar to the area where the gesso is missing. 

 Before applying the clay use a brush to apply a light dusting of powder or corn starch so the clay will not stick.

Like this...

Lets Try that again

Like this

Step 2 Bake your molds in the oven according to package instructions.  You now have a rock hard mold. 

Step 3 Mix the epoxy putty according to package instructions and put a blob of it in the area where the gesso is missing

Step 4  Dust the hardened clay mold with powder or corn starch, then put the mold over the epoxy putty blob ( wonder what the technical word is for blob?) and push down

Now lift your mold and let your epoxy putty dry

Then paint

Here's the rope finished

And Here is the flower finished

It's not perfect, but you can come pretty close

I hope I haven't bored you to tears!  

If you have minor repairs, see my 

previous post on gesso repair

Edit: I get many emails regarding how to match the old paint...I hope this helps

Matching paint is where the artist in yourself will have to come out.   I actually take my frame with me to the craft store, then I search the little craft bottles of paint to get the closest match, when I find one that works I put a dab of the paint on the frame.  Since the fames are old they are often dull and darkened in places from age.   So, I often will dab a little darker color on top.....It is kind of like a mad scientist thing...Will it be perfect...No, but stand back to look at your frame after you paint it, I am sure you will get close enough to fool the eye

Happy Creating!

Carol

Joining Miss Mustard Seed