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Water and Oil Gilding

The art of gilding dates back at least 3500 years and was developed by the Egyptians. It was discovered that gold could be beaten into extremely thin sheets and this 'gold leaf' was applied to icons, temples, ornaments and furniture.

Techniques and much-coveted recipes have been passed down through the centuries within a small circle of gilders around the world. Many of these methods and materials are still used to great effect and cannot be modernised or substituted and so the craft lives on unscathed. Although many methods are labour intensive the results are of the highest quality.

 

Oil Gilding is applied using an oil-based size (adhesive). Most non-porous surfaces can receive this type of gilding resulting in a very durable finish which can be used for both internal and external work.

Water Gilding is a far lengthier process which involves much surface preparation in order to achieve extremely high quality results.

Timber surfaces require several layers of a material called gesso which can be rubbed down to a smooth finish. This is followed by layers of a clay based material called bole which can be highly polished in readiness for the gold leaf which is applied using distilled water as a size.

The surface can be highly burnished to achieve a beautiful rich, deep finish.

Gold leaf is available in many different shades and colours from pale lemon to deep rose as well as white gold, moon gold, platinum and silver.

 

Period Interiors front page About Jo

Workshop based in Reepham, Norfolk.
Visits by appointment, please call or e mail to arrange a suitable time.

Tel: 07711 680149
01603 879384
Email: joannagreen@gmail.com


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Jo Green