How To Guides

Gilding Care and Maintenance Threats to gilding Whilst gilding has been known to last for over 3000 years, the biggest threat it faces is from inappropriate cleaning and unnecessary intervention by those without adequate knowledge and training. The application of water during cleaning of water gilded surfaces causes considerable damage as the water dissolves the size that binds the gold...

There are many ways to glass gild from signage work for solicitors or public house through to Eglomise but covered in this particular fact sheet is gilding on glass for signage work.   1. Sketch of lettering or design prepared on thin paper. Outline traced in Brunswick Black to be seen on reserve side. Fasten to outside window taking care...

1. GILDER'S CUSHION This is a piece of MDF approximately 9 inches by 6 inches. It is covered with thick blanket and the stretched over this is a soft calf skin leather, this is tacked into position to the four edges of the board. At one end and partly round two sides is a parchment or strong card windshield which...

Oil Gilding is the process of using Oil-based size (glue) to adhere Gold Leaf, be it Loose or Transfer (Patent) to a particular surface or substrate, and is the only choice if gilding externally or damp conditions. There are several types of oil size, ranging from quick drying sizes which are 1 hour or less in drying time (ie the...

When gilding externally on stone we would recommend that you use 23.5ct Gold Leaf or above, as anything lower in carat will tarnish due to the elements outside. When carving the lettering in stone, hand cut lettering will always look better than sandblasted lettering, this is because the V shape catches the light and reflects the Gold. If sandblast lettering...

Imitation Leaf and Copper Leaf are thicker than Genuine Gold Leaf but still need to be handled with care as the leaf can tear or become creased very easily.   Prior to gilding you will need to ensure the that surface is clean, dry and dust free. When you have prepared the surface, apply a thin coat of the Acrylic...