How to alter frame color?

[Allan Rahbek]

I have often used Shellac to darken and give a warmer glow to gold frames.

If you dare, you could "age" the frame by putting some marks on it with different tools, like steel wool and a handful of key's at first and then patinate with a dull color, before the Shellac glazing.

The best way of understanding patina is to look at a really old frame.

Allan

[Julie Deane]

I hadn't thought about shellac.

I've painted two JFM frames so far using oil paint . Both were plain gold to begin with. I added ivory black with both, plus a transparent other color of my choice to blend with the painting.

[Debra Norton]

When I know I will be altering a frame I order a corner sample in addition to the frame. That way I can experiment on the corner first.