Compo

Compo

Definition

Compo is a dough-like material traditionally used in decorative woodworking and picture framing. Applied to wood frames, it allows artisans to create intricate ornamentation, including patterns, moldings, and raised decorative features. Once shaped, compo hardens to a durable finish suitable for gilding, painting, or staining.

Composition and Materials

• Basic Ingredients: Historically, compo is made from a mixture of chalk, linseed oil, resin, and glue.
• Modern Variants: Some contemporary compo formulations include synthetic resins or additives to improve flexibility, drying time, or adhesion.
• Workability: Soft and pliable when fresh, it can be molded by hand or pressed into molds for repeated decorative patterns.

Application in Framing

• Ornamentation: Applied to plain wooden frames to add decorative details such as floral motifs, rope patterns, or beading.
• Gilding Base: Once dried, compo surfaces can be gold or silver leafed, painted, or antiqued.
• Repair: Used to restore damaged or missing frame decorations.

Techniques and Best Practices

• Apply compo when slightly soft for easier shaping and adherence.
• Use molds or hand tools to create consistent and intricate patterns.
• Allow full drying or curing before sanding, gilding, or painting.
• Store unused compo properly to maintain pliability and prevent drying out.

Advantages of Using Compo

• Enables intricate frame designs without hand-carving wood.
• Can be molded repeatedly for uniformity in production.
• Compatible with gilding and painting techniques for customized finishes.
• Durable when properly dried and finished.

Related Terms

• Embellishment
• Colonial Ornamentation
• Rope Frame
• Embossed