Water Gilding

This is a labor intensive method in which I use 23.5kt. loose-leaf sheets of Gold, Gesso, and Bole. First the wooden structure typically a frame is prepared to receive the many layers of Gesso. Once Gesso is layered and dry it is carved and Bole’ a clay which comes in either an earthy red tone, Black or Yellow Ochre is applied. The color of Bole used will determine the tone of the piece once it is Gilded. Finally, water is used to bond the gold leaf to the Bole and a final step of Burnishing is done to enhance piece to a mirror finish.
Interior use only.

Oil Gilding

Oil Gilding is a more durable finish than water gilding. It can be used for interior and exterior purposes.
Parcel Gilt, Lacquer, or Varnish Gilding-

Using Gold powders in an oil-based Varnish to achieve the desired tone mostly for touch upon pieces that do not require the look or do not warrant the cost of real 23kt gold leaf. Parcel Gilt is also a very useful method of enhancing a piece with painted decoration such as you would see on a 19th C. Chinoiserie piece.

Venetian or “Mecca” Gilt Finish

A technique where the Silver leaf is applied to a surface and then Varnish after oxidation to achieve different tones, some of which could be easily mistaken for gold leaf. Lovely and often seen on Italian pieces.

Restoration and Spot Gilding

An especially difficult technique used for conservation work. The technique requires special attention to only repair and restore missing elements of a piece and then gently blend the “New” Gold leaf into the existing antique Gold leaf.