Finished-corner frames · carving · gilding
Closed-corner frames are finished after they are joined.
These are also called finished-corner frames. The frame is joined first and finished afterward, so carving, gesso, bole, leaf, toning and patina can continue cleanly through the corners. That is why the result looks different from a frame cut and joined from prefinished moulding.
Finished after joining
Why closed-corner frames look different.
Because the frame is finished after it is joined, the surface can continue through the corners without exposing the cut-and-join logic of prefinished moulding.
Length moulding is a good choice for many projects. Closed-corner construction gives us more control when a project needs seamless corners, carving, gilding or a custom surface.
Water gilding and oil gilding
Water gilding and oil gilding produce different surfaces.
Both use metal leaf, but the preparation is different. Water gilding can be burnished to a bright, mirror-like sheen. Oil gilding stays softer and is useful when that polished surface is not the goal.
Water gilding+
Gold leaf is laid over prepared gesso and bole. The surface can be burnished to bright highlights, while the bole beneath the leaf affects its warmth.
Oil gilding+
Leaf is laid onto an oil-based size and usually stays softer or more matte than burnished water gilding. It works well in recesses, ornament and areas where a high polish is not needed.
Using both on one frame+
Water- and oil-gilded areas can be combined to create changes in sheen, depth and emphasis across the same frame.
A corner sample shows the maker’s actual finish
Carving crispness, leaf tone, bole color, burnish, patina, distressing and corner resolution all vary by maker. That is why having several established gilding houses and specialty makers to choose from matters: we select the source whose surface and period work best fit the project.
What sits under the gold matters
The preparation under the gold leaf changes the finished surface.
Gesso, bole, carving, ornament, sanding and burnishing create the surface the leaf reveals. Most of what makes a gilded frame beautiful happens before the gold goes on.
Gesso and bole
Prepared gesso creates the smooth surface under the leaf. Bole changes the warmth of the gold and provides the compressible layer used for burnishing.
Carving and ornament
Hand carving and composition ornament shape how light moves across the frame before the leaf is applied.
Burnishing
Burnishing compresses the prepared surface beneath water-gilded leaf and creates highly reflective highlights.
Toning and patina
Glazes, pigments, rubbing and other finishing steps can mute leaf, emphasize recesses and help the frame sit naturally with the artwork.
Historical frame references
Historical frames can be useful design references.
Sometimes an original frame or historical style gives us a useful starting point. Other times we use only the proportion, leaf color or profile and make a simpler contemporary frame.
Original frames+
An original or artist-selected frame can be historically significant. We do not assume that a frame should be discarded merely because it is worn or old; condition and provenance can change the right decision.
Reproduction frames+
The gilding houses and specialty makers we work with can reproduce historical profiles, carving and gilding methods when an accurate period frame is appropriate.
Interpretive frames+
A new frame can reference period through profile, leaf color, patina or ornament while being simplified for the artwork and interior.
Frame restoration+
We handle light frame touch-up and refinishing in our shop. When a frame needs extensive gilding, carving or restoration, we work with a specialist gilding and restoration house we know and trust.
Gilding houses & specialty makers
We choose the specialty source to fit the frame design.
Different houses have different strengths in carving, gilding, finishing and period work. We design the frame here, then choose the source whose work best fits the project.
Carved and water-gilded frames
For frames where hand preparation, leaf and historically informed surface are central.
Subtle finished-corner frames
For seamless painted, stained, rubbed or selectively leafed frames.
Leather, metal and unusual surfaces
When a project needs materials beyond standard moulding.
Contemporary and everyday moulding
Length moulding remains a powerful and efficient option when its profile and finish are exactly right for the piece.
Bring the artwork in if you want to compare finished-corner frame options.
Seeing the artwork next to real corner samples is much more useful than choosing from a photograph.