Restoring Old Frames with Rajiv Surendra (Picture Frames)

Whenever he goes antiquing, old frames are one of the things Rajiv is always looking out for; he uses them for his oil and watercolor paintings. Plain frames gilded with real gold leaf are Rajiv's favorite and today he shares his method of cleaning and repairing frames that are inexpensive but can be brought back to life with some love!
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★ TABLE OF CONTENTS ★
• 0:02 Water coloring success
• 1:36 Hand carved out of wood while antiquing
• 2:18 The frames are delicate
• 3:20 Try my techniques first with inexpensive frames
• 4:26 Do not take a rag to wipe delicate areas
• 5:18 Bamboo skewer and rolled cotton materials technique
•6:20 Use distilled water
•7:20 Beware of pulling the gold off
•9:00 Once all dirt is removed the swab will not have any color on it
•10:11 Make cotton swab different sizes for unique spaces
•10:45 Only a clean swab goes in the water rule
•11:29 Finishing coat of wax
•12:00 Discussing gilded frames and compo and gesso
•14:18 Radiator painted frames that were originally gilded
•16:15 How to make a flexible clay mold to restore the frame
•19:10 After creating the negative you create the positive
•20:34 Water based air drying clay to fill in the gap solution
•22:20 Align the clay portion on the frame and adjust the depth of the piece
•24:00 Re-sculpt the transition between the original and the new restored portions
•25:21 Bringing a relic back to life
•26:10 Paint repair bits with shades of gold to blend in
•28:00 Before and After
💡 TOPICS IN THIS VIDEO 💡
• 19th century solid wood frames
• Rabbit skin mixed with glue to create paste pressed into mold and applied to the wood
• Antique thrift store window frame finds
• Restoring old frames back to life
•Simple frame versus ornate frame conservation using cotton swabs
•Bamboo skewer
•Rolled cotton
•Gold leaf gilded frame restoration
•Gesso is the layer under the gold that you don’t want to bring out
•Bringing out the mahogany delicately
•Soft lint free cloth with a layer of wax effect
•Bole
•Gilding with compo and gesso
•removing radiator paint from gilded frames process
•Dental alginate and silicone for a flexible mold
•Use clay that you can put on to allow to dry and needs to be water soluble
•Autumn gold paint
•Gold leaf paint
•Grecian gold paint
If you enjoy Rajiv's videos and would like to see more, please contribute to the
gofundme campaign that is raising the funds to produce the content on this channel: gofund.me/fbcb3a22
✅ Instagram: / rajivsurendra
✅ TikTok: / rajivsurendra_
✅ Twitter: / rajivsurendra
🔴 ** ABOUT THIS CHANNEL **
Welcome to my KZbin Channel! I've been immersed in the creative and domestic arts for all my life and its a real honor to be sharing my interests with you.
Click here to subscribe: / rajivsurendra
🔎 HASHTAGS
#pictureframes
#Rajivsurendra
#diy

[@lizzygreenhood9631]

Rajiv, I would love it if you would tell us a bit about how you store your nice things safely in a small space. I have had lots of artwork damaged in improper storage, because I lacked space. I have a few frames saved, because now I'm living in a larger apartment with lots of big closets. But I've lost enough things in the past to being crushed, mangled, or damaged by water, powdery mildew, or insects that I realize the importance of proper storage. I bet a lot of your viewers would feel more empowered to have, make, restore, and use nice things if they knew the best way to store things not in immediate use, or waiting for framing or restoration. Thank you so much for all your wonderful, calm, focused, and creative inspiration.

[@breannakappel8099]

A CA

[@Earthy-Artist]

In another video I think I may have heard Rajiv say that he has a storage unit where he stores some of his other things.

[@tamiz8895]

Absolutely

[@thinkuthink]

Great idea 💡❤✨

[@Idahadleyart]

I also collect old frames, very old with nails,no staples. This was such a great video…Also I love your arm jewelry

[@goawayfarm7165]

Since discovering Rajiv and binge-watching as many videos as I could find on this channel and others, I have: written a letter to friend, made a custom box to mail a package to my mom, seasoned all my cast iron frying pans, bought and arranged flowers for my house and made a handsewn apron out of ticking. Next up: dig those old frames out of my garage and find a piano and piano teacher. Thank you Rajiv for the inspiration!

[@rajivsurendra]

Makes me smile reading this ;-)

[@mariannetracy4248]

It would be fun to hear what others have done also, nice idea! So far as I can remember, it all started with buying a couple of antique ironstone soap dishes, really good dish washing towels, flannel sheets, twine, brown paper, sealing waxes and stamp. I learned more about my vintage uranium glasses and plates, and now I'm gonna check out the gilding on an antique frame that needs some TLC. Oh, and I bought a non-steam iron and spritzer, similar to what Rajiv showed, and that bluing liquid for adding to your whites wash...didn't finish the pompoms yet ;-)

[@sarahwatts7152]

That's so awesome!

[@goawayfarm7165]

Piano found!! 1921 fully restored beauty - I’m going to name her Vera after my grandmother. She should be arriving in a few weeks!

[@aliciapeters-nw2vu]

Since binge-watching Rajiv, who I tell everyone about, I went to see a Patsy Cline revival concert, tickets that had that had been sitting on my counter for quite some time, but I was inspired, this led to me giving the other ticket I had to a neighbor, she bought my book, I watched one of Rajiv’s videos that said If I want my book to become a best-seller, I need to make a flower garland for a goddess…That person I gave the ticket to became a client which created a new stream of income. I'm also inspired to go back to art school and see the Monet exhibit near me. I could keep going… I’ll write more later. Thanks, Rajiv!

[@topaz3468]

About 8 years ago, I walked into a tiny little thrift shop down an alley near a farmers market in a small town. At the back of the shop was a very dirty wood gesso frame which was approximately 120-150 years old. What made this so unique was that it was absolutely huge (36" by 60" overall). Even crazier, was that it had been marked down to $11. LOL. I didn't hesitate and paid the $11 and hauled it to my car which was parked about a mile away. 😊 Carefully cleaned the frame at home only to realize that it didn't need any other restoration. Remains to this day one of my all-time favorite finds! Great video as always Rajiv

[@rajivsurendra]

Wow, what a find! I love that a lot of these treasures are just hiding their pristine condition under layers of dirt.

[@char3474]

I always wondered! I had a vague idea that old frames such as those had potential, but hadn’t explored them at all. Thank you for yet another inspiring video. You are a great teacher. Thank you!

[@alexandra_sa_lazer]

I love your watercolors! I need more practice

[@PamelaDFrank]

I can't express how much I appreciate you, this channel is literally life - I get so excited every time I see that you've posted something new. You're so inspiring - thanks for all you do, and for being you!

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you for watching.

[@allisonwanderland9917]

Huzzah! As a Fine Art Conservator/Picture Framer myself, I can’t wait to watch this one! Thank you, Rajiv.

[@meercatt]

These are my favorite videos, showing and teaching about projects I didn’t know existed. I thought all those old frames were all carved! And what the heck is rabbit skin glue?😂❤❤❤

[@rajivsurendra]

Rabbit skin glue is a very old traditional type of glue used in all kinds of trades (even instrument making!)

[@meercatt]

@@rajivsurendrawow I didn’t really expect a response thanks! So I guess it is made from rabbit skins 😬 amazing there were that many available and that their skin was that sticky. Weird. 🤔❤ I guess they farmed them in horrific conditions like we do any poor animal unfortunate enough to be useful or delicious. 😣

[@SisterShirley]

Just like in an Italian kitchen, or a Christmas tree farm, no components wasted.

[@robertneubauer8075]

@@meercatt Rabbits, and I mean BIG rabbits used to be farmed small scale for meat up until the middle of the last century. Turtle used to be a fairly common protein as well. This is well before we had giant agribusinesses providing most of our food and shipping it across the country in giant refrigerated trucks. I'm guessing rabbit skin glue was making use of a byproduct that would otherwise be wasted.

[@trinitywright7122]

Rajiv who obviously can happily get through his life without ever owning a television makes the best videos on KZbin. Isn't that kind of ironic?? This was a great video. I loved it because I love looking for old frames and I don't always know what I'm going to do with them but wow!. Rajiv - You never cease to amaze me and also be extremely interesting and fun to watch.❤

[@tesyward9544]

Taking up residence in “Rajiv’s World” and relishing every moment! Thank you, kind Sir ✨🙏🏽✨

[@bethanyh.9489]

You bring me so much joy Rajiv ❤❤

[@jefflawrentz1624]

Nice work, Rajiv! Years ago in “ trial by error” I decided to duplicate a gesso leaf that was missing on a mirror frame. And I used molding clay but forgot to put a thin coat of oil over the leaf before applying my mold. Much to my horror, I pulled the leaf off as I pulled the clay away and spent several hours reattaching the leaf. 😂 A lot of the old frames I’ve found are actually silver leaf with a yellow varnish coating to give them the appearance of gold. But I do love the look of an old water gilt frame.

[@carolynthompson6518]

I honestly could watch Rajiv cut grass with scissors. He is mesmerising and has totally changed my life. This is so timely as I have a frame that needs repairing. Thank you so much ❤

[@bethgaither1214]

To say he is mulit-talented is an understatement. Rajiv can do pretty much anything! 😊

[@coryarndt6765]

How timely!!! So worth it! I've got a beautiful old picture frame and I've wanted to do this! I love old frames!!! I've got a stash, too. Some from a vente de grenier in a French village in the 80's...

[@jeanine6492]

Wonderful! Please show us how to gild (fake gold leaf obviously), I’d love to see a detailed video of that too!

[@mayagable3508]

Yes, please!! I want to learn how to guild a frame!

[@hellomo18]

It so wonderful to have someone with so many shared interests going for it!!!❤

[@nitam777]

I was just thinking about how I needed to restore my dad’s frames … thanks 🙏

[@janmcgill1784]

This was great, but your Mr. Magoo off camera mumbling while searching in the tools for that the knife was one of the funniest things you’ve ever filmed ❤

[@gogopie64]

I think Rajiv may just have the coolest vibe of anyone I've ever seen on KZbin.

[@jeffreyhaines]

This is totally one of those things I have wondered about for years but never thought to look up. What a great tutorial, and now I know what to look for when I'm shopping

[@jeffreyhaines]

I also really appreciate the tips on less wasteful swabs - hate throwing those things out when cleaning

[@sugarbomb26]

Rajiv, I just love you! And how do you always read my mind and know what I want to learn about? I have been collecting frames for decades.I thought I had a illness till I saw your collection. My best ones are large black lacquered and gilt antique frames I found at car-boot sales in my hometown of London, England. I wrapped them up and bought them all to the USA on a British airways flight when I emigrated here in 1999. Now, I will sit back and enjoy your video. Thank you!

[@rajivsurendra]

That's wonderful. I love when viewers connect with these videos on a personal level.

[@M0odyBlue]

Lovely!! I have some old plaster frames and a beautiful old carved, gilded wood mirror. I took that and one from the 20s to a pro for restoration and it was costly. I still have a couple I would like to try myself, so this is timely. Plus, Rajiv gives me the confidence to attempt it.

[@luslab]

I love this. I can totally see myself doing this. I have collected old frames with this in mind but never really knowing or learning the process. Also, empty beautiful frames look great on a wall.

[@patriciaholloway]

Love it! I have two huge very old gold frames I found at yard sales for just $5 each. One is from Mexico and sits in a tall bamboo easel (also found at a yard sale!) and the other just leans against this. I think it's both artsy and elegant. Watching you reminded me of how many hours I spent cleaning them. I'm hoping to find more. I love the look of antiqued gold ❤️ Thanks so much for the demonstration Rajiv! Always a pleasure.

[@lindawentink2725]

Love that , " thank you for letting me see the light again" . Exactly😊

[@kathleenramsdell7316]

I do the same thing! I had an antique business and have some gorgeous frames that I fix up for my oil paintings ❤ super helpful- never thought about mixing diff colors of gold- I was painting the whole thing 😂

[@bradbradshaw6772]

Hello Rajiv. Thank you so very much for your excellent videos and your exceptional work. I think your videos are some of the best content on the web. Your charming personality and consummate work ethic are brilliant and something to be emulated. Keep the videos coming!

[@MissLadyLynnette]

❤❤❤❤ Thank you for doing this! I love old things and have learned a lot from your channel.

[@stabbedbyamilf]

Great video! All though I have one remark as a professional conservator, don't rub the cotton swab on the frame- roll it gently between your fingers. That way you won't remove any lose gesso and gilding. It's just as efficient as rubbing, but far more gentle.

[@kbender3626]

I bought a bunch of awesome frames like that for next to nothing at a flee market in Budapest! Which by the way, ever since your how to walk video I keep thinking of you when I'm walking along observing the architecture in Budapest. I enjoyed it before your video, but now I look and think how much you would love this city. Ugg, get out of my head Rajiv, I want to enjoy things without you in my head! haha

[@1974jashful]

Wow! This is exactly what I need to do to a large old frame I thrifted. Now I can’t wait to try this procedure.

[@LeahSelman]

you are incredibly patient. I’ll sometimes find an Old Basket while sideWalk rummaging (I’ve never found a frame) & I just run it under hot water & Dish Soap. Yeah, a lot of the time parts of the basket sloughs off & down the drain, but then it doesn’t smell so much like Cat Pee😸

[@datienza]

Thank you for this video, Rajiv. ❤❤❤

[@cillamoke]

Yay!! Great timing!! I’ve just finished work, ready to relax and Sweet Rajiv shows up on my feed. Coincidentally, I’m trawling the thrift shops looking for a couple of frames to put some art into!! Love your work Rajiv ❤

[@ThePhantomofYT101]

It's giving Baumgartner Fine Art Restoration! I love that you're literally hitting every niche I love watching!

[@daisylee298]

Rajiv I learn every time I watch your videos and also amazed how you make anything you do wonderful to watch. Maybe, you could help me figure out how to remove glue stains from underneath an antique mirror.

[@lynnmccreary6750]

Absolutely love you!!

[@user-os2zy2dp6j]

Wonderful! Great tutorial!

[@christinedelfino5322]

Beautiful, thank you so much ❤

[@nicky914]

just the video i needed. Thanks Rajiv!

[@melaniederima2314]

I always new this was possible! Thanks for showing the way!!😍♥

[@evalindell2757]

Brilliant as always! 👌

[@barbaracarlson1331]

Thank you! So fun to learn how this is done!!

[@ruthcarter8895]

Julian Baumgartner would be so proud! Bravo!

[@joanneguarnaccia7133]

I love your unique topics!!❤

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Stunning.

[@abigailh4109]

This was so Awesome! Thank you, thank you, thank you ❤

[@marietjejansen]

Exactly what I needed! Thank you Rajiv!

[@gayemarianesfox2405]

What a wonderful transformation! Thanks for teaching us.

[@katrussell6819]

I often repair thrift shop frames for my art pieces. You have added to my techniques. Thank you!

[@cynthiathurston7656]

You are certainly a Renaissance man. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@shmickyshmoe]

So satisfying! Thank you

[@susanskinner8855]

Love your calming voice, great instruction detail on all your videos !

[@robbobstone]

Bro, the moment you made your own cotton swab you blew my mind

[@gl4621]

Another great video! Thank you! Love your choice of vintage music sprinkled into your vlogs! ❤❤❤

[@AmbrosiaK]

Treasures saved from a landfill, thank you. This is cool. Sometimes I see damage to a frame in an art gallery, now I know a little about repair! Do I have that incredible patience to do it myself? I don't know, but I can see how it could be very relaxing.

[@annissa485]

Very detailed work, a lesson in patience

[@Liz-og9gc]

Great video, Rajiv! I learned so much. Thank you

[@jgirldo2691]

That was an excellent how-to DIY old frame restoration video. Loved it 👍

[@jenniferrumsey9887]

Great tutorial!!

[@a.b.creator]

Rajiv, I too have a treasure trove of vintage or antique guilded frames! I always thought I was quirky for that! You make me feel so seen 🫶🏼 I am so glad to share that habit with a talented person such as yourself.

[@sambutler4995]

Fantastic, thank you.

[@sandiepetersonsellsraleigh]

Great video! I just love your information and how you give it. Thank you.

[@Leshaun_]

This is MY tv channel. Loves it! ❤️

[@luciemarion6433]

You are so much a positive influence , thank you sooooooo much

[@raffaelah]

Rajiv is a true renaissance man

[@dianachriss6553]

What a lovely skill to learn! Thanks for sharing & teaching.

[@bonnerdebbie]

Wonderful video Rajiv, beautiful frames treated with care to preserve. Thanks!

[@catbgreat9268]

I have now added rolled cotton to my Amazon list. Thanks for another great video Rajiv!

[@differentperspective4124]

Thanks for this video Rajiv this is great information

[@LS-el7sf]

Incredible video! Love all the specifics.

[@markbangs681]

Awesome!

[@ranji8084]

Great work Rajiv. Another amazing informative video. ❤️

[@deborahhebblethwaite1865]

Love your artwork. I too like old frames. Thanks🇨🇦🙂🙏

[@VampBoutique247]

I love old frames❤

[@nusiek97]

Thank you💕

[@mayagable3508]

Wonderful timing to happen on this video. I have a painting I love in a once fantastic frame. I went to the frame shop and got sticker shock at the estimate! With this inspiring video I’m going to take some time and repair the frame myself! Thanks Rajiv! Your videos have truly inspired me. I am grateful I found your channel!

[@starboard6372]

The beautiful bracelets really do a nice job of setting off those gloves. LOL!

[@bloodyruth256]

Love this, now going to the thrift shop or antique stores are even more exciting! Going to give frames a second look ❤

[@TJ-cn9wq]

That was great. Thx!

[@drebugsita]

I just realized that your videos feel comforting and educational, getting to see how to take care of things and be more adult-is, in a way that feels a bit reminiscent of Mister Rogers. I mean that in the absolute best way. You are like a Mister Rogers for adult-sh people (the ish is speaking for myself, still very much figuring out how to do it).

[@staciej2580]

Thanks Rajiv.

[@perlitsa55]

Wonderful video!! Thank you Rajiv…

[@morlandalamaga5899]

I can't express how grateful I feel. This v8deo arrives at the oerfect moment for me. I inherited my great-grandparents house with all the antique stuff inside... and I've recently brought few golden frames that were missing gesso pieces to have the woodworm treatment done. Now I know how to fix them!!! Thank you so much!

[@ll1898]

GOOD JOB! THANK YOU

[@LibertypopUK]

perfect topic ! just what im looking into :D thanks Rajiv !

[@doyeworrell1680]

Thank you so much for demonstrating this technique. Ornate frames are so beautiful 🤩 yours turned out great 👍

[@jbgpgh]

OK, this is the one that pushed me over the edge...I love you Rajiv!

[@rajivsurendra]

Danke dir.

[@nobleenchantpbkc8082]

Nice.Very interesting.Thank You

[@norabrice]

My goodness, Thank you so much for taking us all step by step threw a restoration process; Very helpful. Your patience & giggles are appreciated.

[@tomandgerit.2157]

Rajiv is so interesting and multi-faceted. He is a true renaissance man.

[@BloodHoneySin]

This has been incredibly useful to me, thank you so much! I have been collecting vintage frames just like yours, for years with the intent to someday repair and restore them. I'll be saving this video to watch again in the future when I am in a position to start working on my frame collection and finally get them displayed with art!

[@rajivsurendra]

You're very welcome. Makes me happy to know people like you will use this video.

[@debranicholson9223]

Great video!!❤

[@cindyjames4201]

Love you! Just recently discovered you on You Tube. I'm sure learning alot! The more you post, the better!!

[@azzamarwan5476]

Thank you for showing us this kind of art , it's a nice video ❤🎉❤🎉

[@morlandalamaga5899]

I can, express how grateful I feel. I inherited my great-grandparents house with all the antique stuff inside... and I've recentlu brought few golden frames to woodworm treatment that were missing gesso pieces. Now I know how to fix it!!! Thank you so much!

[@kathylowry4813]

Hello ! I try to watch each of your videos and I enjoy them, thanks for all of the hard work and study you put in to every thing you create.

[@susandorward2293]

I love watching you teach! Always informative, but you are very entertaining. I have watched some of your videos several times. You have such a positive spirit!

[@timo4473]

this was a treat as always! Watching you carefully going through this process and paying attention to every tiny detail is so inspiring! Now i kinda want to become a conservator myself! Thank you

[@TraceyDevine-bo1kp]

Wow Rajiv! Your video was the most informative on how to restore my broken frame. I subscribed! Thank you so much for making this video. It really helped me.

[@Julie-bq6iz]

This was very satisfying! I love watching videos of art restoration. I am always amazed at the techniques and materials used to restore, preserve, and protect paintings and sculpture and textiles. Restoration is an art in itself!