Restoring Old Frames with Rajiv Surendra (Picture Frames)

Rajiv, I would love it if you would tell us a bit about how you store your nice things safely in a small space. I have had lots of artwork damaged in improper storage, because I lacked space. I have a few frames saved, because now I'm living in a larger apartment with lots of big closets. But I've lost enough things in the past to being crushed, mangled, or damaged by water, powdery mildew, or insects that I realize the importance of proper storage. I bet a lot of your viewers would feel more empowered to have, make, restore, and use nice things if they knew the best way to store things not in immediate use, or waiting for framing or restoration. Thank you so much for all your wonderful, calm, focused, and creative inspiration.

Since discovering Rajiv and binge-watching as many videos as I could find on this channel and others, I have: written a letter to friend, made a custom box to mail a package to my mom, seasoned all my cast iron frying pans, bought and arranged flowers for my house and made a handsewn apron out of ticking. Next up: dig those old frames out of my garage and find a piano and piano teacher. Thank you Rajiv for the inspiration!

About 8 years ago, I walked into a tiny little thrift shop down an alley near a farmers market in a small town. At the back of the shop was a very dirty wood gesso frame which was approximately 120-150 years old. What made this so unique was that it was absolutely huge (36" by 60" overall). Even crazier, was that it had been marked down to $11. LOL. I didn't hesitate and paid the $11 and hauled it to my car which was parked about a mile away. 😊 Carefully cleaned the frame at home only to realize that it didn't need any other restoration. Remains to this day one of my all-time favorite finds! Great video as always Rajiv

Rajiv who obviously can happily get through his life without ever owning a television makes the best videos on YouTube. Isn't that kind of ironic?? This was a great video. I loved it because I love looking for old frames and I don't always know what I'm going to do with them but wow!. Rajiv - You never cease to amaze me and also be extremely interesting and fun to watch.❤

These are my favorite videos, showing and teaching about projects I didn’t know existed. I thought all those old frames were all carved! And what the heck is rabbit skin glue?😂❤❤❤

I can't express how much I appreciate you, this channel is literally life - I get so excited every time I see that you've posted something new. You're so inspiring - thanks for all you do, and for being you!

Huzzah! As a Fine Art Conservator/Picture Framer myself, I can’t wait to watch this one! Thank you, Rajiv.

Taking up residence in “Rajiv’s World” and relishing every moment! Thank you, kind Sir ✨🙏🏽✨

Nice work, Rajiv! Years ago in “ trial by error” I decided to duplicate a gesso leaf that was missing on a mirror frame. And I used molding clay but forgot to put a thin coat of oil over the leaf before applying my mold. Much to my horror, I pulled the leaf off as I pulled the clay away and spent several hours reattaching the leaf. 😂 A lot of the old frames I’ve found are actually silver leaf with a yellow varnish coating to give them the appearance of gold. But I do love the look of an old water gilt frame.

You bring me so much joy Rajiv ❤❤

To say he is mulit-talented is an understatement. Rajiv can do pretty much anything! 😊

I honestly could watch Rajiv cut grass with scissors. He is mesmerising and has totally changed my life. This is so timely as I have a frame that needs repairing. Thank you so much ❤

How timely!!! So worth it! I've got a beautiful old picture frame and I've wanted to do this! I love old frames!!! I've got a stash, too. Some from a vente de grenier in a French village in the 80's...

I think Rajiv may just have the coolest vibe of anyone I've ever seen on Youtube.

It so wonderful to have someone with so many shared interests going for it!!!❤

I was just thinking about how I needed to restore my dad’s frames … thanks 🙏

Rajiv, I just love you! And how do you always read my mind and know what I want to learn about? I have been collecting frames for decades.I thought I had a illness till I saw your collection. My best ones are large black lacquered and gilt antique frames I found at car-boot sales in my hometown of London, England. I wrapped them up and bought them all to the USA on a British airways flight when I emigrated here in 1999. Now, I will sit back and enjoy your video. Thank you!

Wonderful! Please show us how to gild (fake gold leaf obviously), I’d love to see a detailed video of that too!

Love it! I have two huge very old gold frames I found at yard sales for just $5 each. One is from Mexico and sits in a tall bamboo easel (also found at a yard sale!) and the other just leans against this. I think it's both artsy and elegant. Watching you reminded me of how many hours I spent cleaning them. I'm hoping to find more. I love the look of antiqued gold ❤️ Thanks so much for the demonstration Rajiv! Always a pleasure.

This is totally one of those things I have wondered about for years but never thought to look up. What a great tutorial, and now I know what to look for when I'm shopping