Traditional water gilder’s use a gelatin mixture (size) that will facilitate a sturdy bond between the gold and the substrate. Gelatin is made up of collagen from various animals. Most of the extractions come from the skin/hides and bones of animals such as cows and pigs. It is a colorless and translucent material that is […]
Archives for March 2013
Loose Leaf Gilding
March 26, 2013 by 1 Comment
Watch Pierre transfer loose leaf from a book to the surface. Also, see how to take care of minor touch-ups using a traditional and job site-practical methods. To see the gilding brushes used in this video, check out our gilding page.
Traditional Water Gilding
March 21, 2013 by 5 Comments
Prior to the 19th century, water gilding was the only method used for all gilding projects. Today, this method is mostly used for frames, furniture accents, restoration projects, and other small and intricate projects. Water gilding takes years to perfect. As you will read, there are many steps that require patience and skill. This type […]
Versailles Class
March 19, 2013 by 7 Comments
17 students from all over the world have come together for a 6-day traditional decorative painting workshop, and 2 day tour with Pierre Finkelstein and Jean Sablé in Versailles. What an experience! Check out what’s been happening. Jean finalizing the layout of his canvas. Jean working on top ornamentation. Students working on ornamentation. […]
Denatured Alcohol
March 15, 2013 by 5 Comments
Denatured alcohol is a solvent used with alcohol-based products, such as shellac. This product is purely a solvent, without additives. This is a handy solvent. We put it in small containers that go on every job. Here are some uses of denatured alcohol. Cleans off dry acrylic paint/glaze A good cleaner for dirty surfaces (as […]
Squirrel and Badger 2-header brushes
March 12, 2013 by 4 Comments
The squirrel 2-header is the original woodgrainer’s tool for mostly straight graining, best used with oil mediums. Replace the squirrel with water badger hair to get a slightly stiffer brush for today’s heavier water mediums. Both deliver the most realistic rendering in woodgraining by making a new print every time. Many brushes can be used […]
How to Tie a Brush
March 5, 2013 by 3 Comments
Watch this quick video on how to tie a brush to reshape brushes and better suit your decorative painting needs. The brush used in this video is a domed glazing brush.
“Flaming” for Faux Marble
March 1, 2013 by 3 Comments
Flaming Technique of adding transparent ‘flames’ or ‘fringes’ running across (generally) main veins and Breche. This technique is performed with a CHIQUETEUR, SINGLE, or DOUBLE HEAD BRECHER usually after a final overglaze and fragments have been applied. There are two ways of flaming as a method of adding depth and diffusing strong veins. The first […]
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