Gilding and Composition Ornament Restoration

Gilding & Composition Ornament Study~

• Ability to identify the differences in historic gilded finishes and recommend the proper avenue for repair of damaged surfaces.
• Practice in gilding techniques: Gold leaf application, metallic & mica powders, & gilding cremes.
  
• Composition (Compo) Ornament creation from raw thermoplastic compo dough through the use of pressings and molds.

Gilded Compo Mantle Board:

Historic Gold Mirror Restoration~

~Completed for the Vandalia Heritage Foundation. Restored mirror will be re-installed in the historic 12th Street apartments, Wheeling, WV. Mirror and frame c. 1900.

Basic Process~

• Assessment of damage and cataloging of reclaimed pieces.
• Thorough cleaning and preparation for mold taking.
  
• Rubber mold creation by taking oil clay pressings from unbroken portions of the frame and recasting.
• Creation and refitting of new compo pieces in order to achieve a seamless patch for broken areas.
  
• Application of a historic tinted gilt creme in order to achieve a finish that will match the existing portions of the frame.

Original Condition, Frame Measures 6.5' x 6':

Example of Breakage:

Cleaning Process:

Pressings Being Taken for Mold Creation:

Completed Molds for Recasting:

New Piece Fitting and Application:
Repaired vs. Broken:
Application of Red Gilding Primer:

Before vs After:

Before vs. After:

Completed Frame: