Removing SMOKE deposits and smell from an ornate frame.

 A gold leaf ornate frame came in from a home fire having a surface film of smoke residue. Using a Q-tip with simple "saliva" will nicely remove the residue. There are two types of gold; one has an even color and is often brassy looking (will not dissolve with water) and two, is a gold finish that is very polished with over-lap lines and often shows red or brown colors through it. (will dissolve with water....and even saliva!). So, do a test to see if the gold comes off before you start wiping down a frame. Be careful too of the antiquing (finish) on many frames... it will come off with water/saliva. We brushed a dilute varnish on the exposed wood of the back of the frame (not visible or shiny afterward) to seal in the smell.