Oil & Water Gilding
Gilding is the art of applying thin leaves of genuine gold leaf or less expensive base metals such as imitation gold, aluminum leaf and copper leaf onto a carefully prepared surface. It is a craft that has changed little over the centuries.
Our experience ranges from historical to traditional interiors right through to contemporary flat surfaces. The majority of our work is architectural oil gilding, nevertheless we do carry out water gilding restoration.
Oil gilding, sometimes known as architectural gilding, is used for general decoration. Such finishes are normally applied to wooden or fibrous plaster mouldings and commonly found in the interiors of historic buildings. Oil gilding is a simpler, less fragile finish than water gilding. It cannot be burnished, however careful preparation and patiently acquired skills produce a semi-gloss finish.
Water gilding is a far more elaborate process that requires a great deal of preparation, but it’s elegance and refinement of finish are unsurpassed. Careful preparation and patiently acquired skills are required to “float” gossamer thin gold leaf over a gesso and bole surface, and then to burnish the piece for an extra smooth shine. It is principally these techniques that differentiate water gilding from oil gilding, to give it, it’s very special luminosity. Water gilding is normally used for picture frames, furniture and religious artefacts.
