I make hand-painted and partially gilded picture frames to measure for individual artworks. Each frame combines painted wooden surfaces with selected details finished in genuine gold leaf. The gilding may follow the inner edge beside the painting, the outer edge or particular elements of the moulding. I choose the combination of colour, gold and surface finish to suit the design and the artwork.
What makes a partially gilded picture frame different?
Unlike a fully gilded picture frame, where gold leaf covers most of the visible surface, a partially gilded frame uses the contrast between paint and metal. A black frame with a narrow gold inner edge can define the boundary of a painting without making the entire surround reflective. On a white, grey or coloured frame, the same detail can be much more subtle.
Gilding just the inner edge is particularly useful when I want to draw attention towards the artwork. A second gilded line near the outer edge can give a wider frame more definition without covering its painted surface.
Choosing the colour and width of the frame
Black with gold leaf creates a strong contrast, particularly for oil paintings and portraits. White or cream can give a lighter appearance, while grey combined with white gold produces a more restrained effect. I also make frames in green, brown, blue and other colours, depending on the model and the artwork.
The width of the moulding matters as much as its finish. A narrow profile can suit a small painting, drawing or print, while a wider frame may provide better visual balance for a larger canvas. I also consider the depth of the artwork and the shape of the profile, not just the width seen from the front.
Hand-painted and gilded frames to compare
- Hand-painted picture frame with a 23K gold leaf edge: a simple profile available in different painted colours.
- Black and gold gilded picture frame: a dark painted profile with 22K gold leaf details.
- White and gold picture frame: an off-white painted surface with 23K gold leaf accents.
- Green and gold picture frame: a broad, bottle-green profile with two gilded lines.
- Grey picture frame with 12K white gold leaf: two shades of grey with selectively gilded details.
- Black coved picture frame with 6K white gold leaf: a wide curved profile combining black paint with cooler metallic accents.
Gold leaf and individual finishing
I work with genuine 23K yellow gold leaf, 22K moon gold leaf, 12K white gold leaf and 6K white gold leaf. Silver leaf and palladium leaf are also available for suitable designs. I can adjust the colour of the clay bole beneath the gilding, the degree of burnishing, subtle rubbing back and the finish of the painted surfaces. Depending on the model, I use wax or shellac to complete the surface.
I make the wooden mouldings using milling or hand carving, according to the profile. The mitred corners are reinforced with wooden splines, usually three per corner. I carry out the painting, gilding and final finishing myself.
Ordering a picture frame made to measure
Choose a model and enter the dimensions of your artwork on its product page. If you need a different painted colour, gold tone, profile width or rebate depth, please contact me with the width, height and depth of your artwork, preferably with a photograph. I can discuss the options and prepare an individual quotation before you order.
If you prefer a frame with a predominantly gold-leaf surface, explore my fully gilded picture frames. You can also browse black picture frames, white picture frames or the complete collection of custom picture frames.
