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How to Restore Antique Chalk Frames

Chalk frames are not made from chalk but contain a gypsum composition that gives them their chalky appearance. Due to their antique nature and unique composition, chalk frames can be a valuable asset, but they can erode and break apart over time. If your chalk frame is a valuable piece of artwork, you should avoid repairing it yourself. In most cases, any repairs to antique artifacts drastically reduce their appraisal value. If your chalk frame is not valuable and is used as a decorative piece of artwork in your home or office, simple restoration procedures can bring new life to the frame.

Things You'll Need

Modeling clay
Plastic bowl
Plaster of Paris
Craft knife or razor blade
White craft glue
Fine sandpaper
Paintbrush
Craft paint

Instructions

- 1
  Press the modeling clay over an area of the frame that is undamaged. Make your clay mold longer than the piece you need to replace. Do not apply a large amount of pressure to the clay, but press it lightly around the damaged area. Remove the clay carefully to ensure that it keeps its shape and form. Block the open ends of the clay mold with a small amount of clay. Allow the mold to dry completely.
- 2
  Create a plaster mixture by mixing water and plaster of Paris together in a plastic bowl. Follow the instructions on the plaster package. Fill your clay mold with the plaster and wait for it to dry. Discard the excess mixed plaster, but do not throw away the package. Once the mold has dried, you will need to mix and use more plaster. Wash out the plastic bowl before creating a new plaster mixture.
- 3
  Remove the dried plaster from the clay mold. Place the plaster piece next to the chalk frame. Mark the mold with a pencil where the ends will need to be cut off to ensure a clean fit in the original frame. Cut the excess plaster from the molded piece using a craft knife or razor blade. Sand the ends of the plaster. Fit the newly constructed piece into the broken space on the original frame.
- 4
  Apply white craft glue to the damaged ends of the chalk frame. Apply glue to the ends of the newly constructed plaster piece, and press it into the open space on the frame. Allow the glue to dry for ten minutes. Press the two pieces together again lightly to make sure they are correctly and securely aligned. Allow several hours for the pieces to dry thoroughly.
- 5
  Create another small batch of plaster using the plaster of Paris and water mixture. Apply a very thin layer of plaster to the areas where the new piece of plaster connects to the original frame. Allow the plaster to dry completely.
- 6
  Gently sand the areas where the two pieces are connected until the new piece of plaster is flush with the frame. The connected areas should no longer be visible. Paint the frame the desired color using a flat craft paint.

Antiquing