Category Archives: pigments

JBC: White Patriotic Jumper Treatment, Oil Paint

Our White Patriotic Jumper had treatment of his parts: Treatment, Tail, Part I; Treatment, Tail, Part II, Treatment, Tail, Part III, Treatment, Knees and Thighs, and Treatment, Belly Split. Patriotic was thoroughly Prepared for Finish Work, and a base coat … Continue reading

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JBC: White Patriotic Jumper Treatment, Gesso

Our White Patriotic Jumper had treatment of his parts: Treatment, Tail, Part I; Treatment, Tail, Part II, Treatment, Tail, Part III, Treatment, Knees and Thighs, Treatment, Belly Split and Preparation for Finish Work. The White Patriotic Jumper is a sample … Continue reading

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Frances Normandin’s Beautiful Crewel Work, 2: Treatment, Colorwork

Continuing from our first post on crewelwork and cleaning Frances Normandin’s beautiful crewel-worked textile circa 1930-1940: The textile is cleaned, but I want to step back to look at some images (before cleaning) to share some surprising comparisons and talk … Continue reading

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Washington State Flag, Mixing Paint

I created test sheets for oil versions of George. Two coats of shellac seals the paper for the oil paint. It is nice to use up old shellac which can no longer be used on furniture! Phthalo Green and Chromium … Continue reading

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Creating Random Pattern in a Painted Finish

This is a European Pear wood, Louis XVI, French Empire Sofa from the mid-18th century. The image above is the way it appeared when it arrived in our studio. The frame was well-loved by generations though abuses by upholsterers and … Continue reading

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Process: Gustav Stickley Ladderback Chair Finish

Continuing from the Reparation of the Gustav Stickley Ladderback Armchair (Or to begin at the beginning go here.) We began our finish with a quick review of the chair with the repairs completed, above. The chairs were covered with radial … Continue reading

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Repairing Veneer on a Bombe in the Style of Louis XV

Before Repair, Above, and After, Below. This is a lovely bombe which had cracked veneer across the curved door faces.  Someone had previously repaired it long before our current owners took possession.  MPFC treated several areas, but I am posting … Continue reading

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L is for Lead: A-to-Z-Challenge

Let’s talk about lead as in lead paint, shown right in a Mason Monterey Horseshoe-back Chair, especially in the cream, yellow, and greens.  While we are at it, let’s talk about toxic pigments in antique or vintage paints. We love … Continue reading

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D is for Dragon’s Blood: A-to-Z Challenge

Dragon’s Blood is a pigment that was widely used in furniture finishes before and in the early 19th century.  Synthetic dyes and a shift to different preferences in wood species moved makers away from this very popular finish, and of … Continue reading

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