Mastering Calligraphy and Art with the Gold Illuminating Kit

The Gold Illuminating Kit from Wrights of Lymm offers artists and calligraphers a gateway to the timeless art of gilding. Whether you're aiming to enhance your manuscripts, restore historic documents, or add a touch of opulence to your artwork, this kit provides the essential tools and materials to achieve professional results.

Introduction to Gilding and Its Significance

Gilding, the process of applying gold leaf to a surface, has been a revered technique in art and restoration for centuries. The lustrous finish of gold leaf not only adds aesthetic value but also preserves the integrity of historical pieces. Wrights of Lymm, established in 1840, is renowned for its high-quality gold leaf products, trusted by professionals worldwide Wrights of Lymm.

What's Inside the Gold Illuminating Kit?

The Gold Illuminating Kit is meticulously curated to cater to both beginners and seasoned 

artists. Each component is selected to ensure a seamless gilding experience:

• Genuine 23.5ct Loose Gold Leaf: Renowned for its purity and rich hue, ideal for calligraphy and restoration projects.

• Gilder's Cushion: Provides a soft surface for handling gold leaf, preventing damage and ensuring precision.

• Gilder's Knife: Facilitates the careful cutting, lifting and placement of gold leaf onto your chosen surface.

• 60ml Japan Oil-Based Gold Size: A high-quality adhesive that ensures the gold leaf adheres perfectly.

• Gilder's Tip: A traditional tool for applying gold leaf with accuracy and control.

• 1335 Series Sable Artist brush to apply size: Soft bristles designed to gently apply adhesive smoothly and evenly.

• Gilder's Mop: Used for burnishing the gold leaf, giving it a smooth and reflective finish.

These tools are essential for achieving the meticulous detailing required in calligraphy and art restoration.

Techniques for Using the Gold Illuminating Kit in Calligraphy

1. Preparing Your Surface

Begin by selecting a suitable surface for your calligraphy, such as parchment, vellum, or high-quality paper. Ensure the surface is clean and smooth to allow the gold leaf to adhere properly.

2. Applying the Gold Size

Use the Sable Artist brush supplied to apply Japan Oil-Based Gold Size, apply a thin, even layer to the area where you intend to place the gold leaf. Allow it to become tacky; this is crucial for the gold leaf to adhere effectively.

3. Handling the Gold Leaf

Carefully lift a sheet of gold leaf using the gilder's tip or gilders knife, placing it onto the tacky surface. Use the gilder's mop to gently press the leaf into place, ensuring full coverage. Once the gold leaf is applied, use the gilder's tip to ensure the gold leaf is smoothly applied to the surface. 

4. Finishing Touches

Once dry, use the gilders mop to gently brush away any excess gold leaf. This step ensures clean edges and a polished appearance.

Incorporating Gilding into Art and Restoration

Beyond calligraphy, gilding plays a pivotal role in art and restoration. The Gold Illuminating Kit is ideal for:

• Restoring Antique Frames: Rejuvenate the grandeur of vintage frames by applying gold leaf to worn areas.

• Enhancing Decorative Art: Add a touch of luxury to paintings, sculptures, and other artworks.

• Creating Monumental Pieces: For large-scale projects, the kit's components can be scaled to suit the size and intricacy required.

The versatility of the kit ensures that artists can achieve both subtle accents and bold, gilded statements in their work.

Tips for Successful Gilding

• Work in a Controlled Environment: Gilding is best performed in a dust-free, dry environment to prevent contaminants from affecting the gold leaf.

• Practice Patience: Allow the gold size to reach the right tackiness before applying the gold leaf; this ensures optimal adhesion.

• Use the Right Tools: Utilize the provided tools to handle the delicate gold leaf and achieve precise application.

• Decide whether to protect Your Work: Once completed, consider applying a protective varnish to preserve any gilded gold leaf in high traffic areas or to prevent tarnishing when using lower carats. Varnishing over goldleaf will take away the lustre of the gold, but can be a good choice depending upon the type of work. Our experts at Wrights of Lymm will be able to advise on this.

Where to Purchase the Gold Illuminating Kit

The Gold Illuminating Kit is available for purchase directly from Wrights of Lymm's official website. As the UK's oldest gold leaf manufacturer and supplier, Wrights of Lymm offers a range of gilding materials, including 24ct to 6ct gold leaf, gilding and signwriting materials, and next-day delivery options.