Cleaning and Care of Gilded Frames

By April Hann Lanford

Paintings and gilded frames frequently come to our studio that has sustained damage from improper cleaning.  While clients attempt to their artwork with the best of intentions, sometimes cleaning can do more harm than good.

All cleaning processes involve contact with the surface of a piece, which causes friction on the surface. This eventually leads to abrasion, which cumulatively can damage the frame.  Oftentimes, it is better to have a light accumulation of dust rather than risk inadvertently damaging the frame that you are trying to care for.

Sage advice-Don’t be afraid to allow for a little accumulation of dust.

Always Check the Condition Prior to Cleaning

Before any attempts at dusting or cleaning, you should first check to make sure that the surface is stable.  If you are concerned about the condition of your frame, it is always best to first document the condition. The easiest way is with images. First, take an overall image, and then take details. Don’t forget about the back as well.

Losses of gilding or gesso, lifting cracks, or lose ornamentation, discoloration, are all indicative of underlying complexities that should be further assessed by a conservator to determine the best approach for proper care.

If you find any detached fragments, always keep those in a bag with the piece so that they can be incorporated in with repairs or conservation in the future.

Beware of Previous Repair

If you see areas of darkening or discoloration on an antique frame, it is likely a previous repair that has aged and darkened over 

Unique items and surfaces require individual care, which means, that there is not a single tried and true single approach.

Light Dusting-Less is Best

For care at home, gilded frames should only be lightly dusted with a very soft-haired brush.   A large natural hair watercolor mop brush or cosmetic brush is preferable. When using these brushes, be sure to cover the metal ferrule to protect the painting from accidental contact with the metal.  Dusting should be undertaken with very little pressure or contact with the gilded surface.

Dusting should never be undertaken if there are cracks or flaking evident on the surface.  Dusting may further weaken the bond of the gesso/gilding to the wood support and cause further loss to the surface.

Never Use Feather Dusters

Feather dusters should not be used as the ends of the spines can scratch and abrade the surface.  I frequently find the small tips of feathers that have broken off from dusters caught in the crevices of cracks in surfaces in works.

Don’t Overlook the Back

The back of the frame is frequently overlooked. That is likely where the bulk of the accumulated dust will be found.  The backs of frames often are unfinished wood and can be cleaned in a more straightforward manner.  If a light dusting with a mop brush does not do the trick, a slightly moistened microfiber cloth should suffice.

When cleaning, please watch for provenance labels on the back that are sensitive to handling.  These should be not be cleaned and left in situ.

While you have full access to the back, it is also a good time to review the stability of the hanging hardware.  Make sure that it is securely mounted to the frame and if there is wire, that it is not corroded, and well affixed to the hardware.

When cleaning gilded frames, it is important to always remember that “less is more”.  A subtle buildup of household dust does not necessarily warrant a full cleaning.  However, other exposures, such as construction dust, smoke, or mildew should not be taken lightly. Losses of gilding or gesso, lifting cracks, or lose ornamentation, discoloration, are all indicative of underlying complexities

Before attempting to address a concern yourself, you should contact a specialist in the field or conservator. Working with a specialist can confirm the optimal approach to maintain the frame’s historic charm, integrity and avoid the risk of further damage.

If you have any questions about the care of your piece, please contact us at:

312-344-0331

[email protected]