I’ve got an antique I’m refinishing and as part of the work I reglued the oval mirror and surround. The wood is mahogany. Unfortunately, when I took the mirror off of the piece (it was glued on, which was part of the problem) it “exploded”. There were some onlays on each side (lower part) that were leaves and stems, and some of the pieces broke off and were lost. I’ve patched it all together again, but the missing pieces are a problem. They are between 3/4 of an inch long and smaller.
I’d like to repair the onlay, but am unsure what would be the best way. The mahogany is fairly dark, so I think I can use artificial material and paint it so that it won’t be noticeable. I’m thinking of making the repairs in clay and painting it after it hardens. I could put pieces of clay on the piece and carve in place, getting it into final shape as it hardens.
Does anybody else have a better idea? I have rejected using mahogany for this as I simply do not have confidence is making detailed carvings that are this small and getting it right. The new wood would have to be flued to the piece before carving (I think) and if I screw it up the fix will be much harder.
Thanks in advance.
John
Replies
I think you're on the right track. Appliques are frequently cast plaster which are then grain painted. If you're more comfortable modelling clay it's the way to go for you.
Lee
Lee,
My first thought was plaster of paris. The original is actually wood. I changed to clay because I thought it would give me a better (read this as more time) medium for sculpting the missing parts. Would plaster actually be better? My wife thinks the clay may crack and have other problems.
The onlay is very dark so I think I can paint the patch to match.
Thanks again.
John
John, one option would be to go to a picture framing buisness and ask to buy some of the clay they use in their business. Most of the mouldings on framing stock are actually clay as are the appliques like acanthus leaves pressed in the corners. It's dried then finised to match the rest of the frame. This product won't shrink and crack but neither would the modelling clay sold in arts and crafts stores.If you can get a decent impression plaster would be a good solution but if you can't lift an impression from another section identical to what's missing modelling clay would be easier to manipulate as far as modelling is concerned. Carving plaster of paris really isn't much fun, clay is the better option for modelling.If there is an intact piece from another part of the frame take an impression with modelling clay, dry it, wax it heavily and cast plaster of paris, pop it out, fit and glue it and finish away.If you're modelling it use modelling clay, it won't crack unless you add to much water to it and for fine work you want it pretty stiff.LeeMontanaFest
Edited 8/21/2005 3:46 pm ET by LeeGrindinger
Edited 8/21/2005 3:47 pm ET by LeeGrindinger
I'd like to repair the onlay, but am unsure what would be the best way..
Not sure if I fully understand what happened.. If you are good with color matching (I AM NOT.. I call my daughter over for that).. Fill with plaster-O-paris and stain to color match.. May take a steady hand!
John,
Check out these folks, http://www.decoratorssupply.com. Alot of onlay is made from composition, which is a mix of hide glue, resins, chalk, wood flour and some other things. It was used in place of hand carved elements since it could be cast in a mold and then touched up by hand.
The material needs to be steamed to activate the glue in order to get it to stick to the wood.
I was thinking you may be interested in this information to help understand what you are working with.
The clay or plaster of paris sounds like it would work nicely. However you may be able to purchase some composition and use it for the repair, and learn something new in the process.
Good luck,
J.P.
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