The Framers Forum

I have an old Dali Swans Reflecting Elephants painting, which I think is paper based, mounted on a form of composite board (approx. ½ inch thick).

I’d like to repair the border by spray painting over the brown area with black paint, but leave the thin white border intact.

The problem I have is I can’t think of a safe way to mask the painting without risk of tearing the picture (as mentioned it’s paper based) – I don’t think low tack masking tape will do it?

Any suggestions welcome.

Chances are trying to spray it will end in tears. As you say, masking the print will likely destroy it when you lift the tape.

Also, the board is old and starting to deteriorate. The brown area looks a bit unstable and wouldn't take paint well.

Why not just cut a black mount and put it on top?

Thanks a lot for the advice!

I was hoping the spray paint would stick to the paper (it's a print, rather than a painting), but as mentioned, masking is the problem

The painting is approx 45 years old, my Dad gave it to me as it had been in storage for decades, and thought it was about time I put it on one of my bare walls!

The board is old, but the deterioration isn't as bad as it looks - it's solid and pretty heavy.

Cutting a black mount sounds like a good plan, i hadn't thought of that - This is why I'm not a framer!

What kind of glue would be suitable to stick it, and what should I use for the border material? I have PVA and Superglue, but they don't feel right for this

With an old reproduction print in that condition, It might be better to order a replacement print from Amazon or another source.

"https://www.amazon.com/Salvador-Dali-Re ... 111&sr=8-8"

Look, if you really want to just tidy it up and do things yourself, try this.

Cut out a piece of cardboard about the same size as the image but not to include the white line.

Lay a ruler along the inside of the white line and holding it firmly, rub the edge of a candle along the white line.
Two strokes will be enough.

Now stick the card down over the image using LOW TACK masking tape (https://www.toolstation.com/kleenedge-1 ... e/p51983 ) and so as to cover the white border only with the tape.
Make sure the tape is pressed onto the white border.

Now just paint the outer border with two coats of Black acrylic artist paint ( any art/hobby shop)

Don't use spray paint - very messy!