We were asked to complete a gilding leaf sample of gold for a client (24K gold and moon gold) Samples require a basecoat in oil–2 coats of satin impervo in a light straw yellow tone for the 22K gold, I would use a different color for the moon gold. Use wet sand paper #400 and #600 […]
Shellac
May 21, 2015 by 2 Comments
Shellac is a very useful tool in the decorative painter’s toolkit. It is one of the most versatile and yet under utilized medium. We have a small jar on every job because of it’s many uses (see below). Shellac is one of the oldest paint mediums, used in Ancient Egyptian and Roman times as a […]
The Deerhoof
August 1, 2014 by Leave a Comment
The Deerhoof is the ultimate striping brush! Much like the Rondin brush, the deerhoof is ideal for striping color or size on small, and tight spaces. However, the deerhoof’s shape offers a distinct slant which allows for optimum surface contact. It’s densely-packed skunk hair makes this a great brush to use over rough surfaces. A […]
Gilded ornament panels
July 17, 2013 by 4 Comments
This design was custom for small powder room in Manhattan. This was the final element for the room. We painted the red panels and black surrounding, glazed all areas, and then varnished in oil, in preparation for the gilding. A pounce pattern was created on thick paper. With a pounce block, tap and rub the […]
Skewer for metal leaf
May 17, 2013 by 1 Comment
Verb: to skewer. Not just for making kabobs! In decorative painting, skewering is the act of removing the lap mark of excess leaf from your freshly gilded surface. Using soft brush for skewering is crucial, as metal leaf will scratch easily. Before skewering … Skewering in process. See also a video post on the full […]
Versailles Palace from a decorative painter’s eye: Gilding
May 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment
22K, oil size surface leaf on the gate of the Palace of Versailles. Notice the background palace with gilded roof done with same gold. There are several million dollar worth of gold in the gilding at the palace. Remember: real gold is an inalterable material (it does not oxidize or rust) and therefore, perfect for […]
Gold Rehaussé – Gilded highlights in trompe l’oeil and ornamentation
April 4, 2013 by 3 Comments
Gold Rehaussé is a classic French term refers to method in which the highlight is executed in gold leaf. In decorative painting, this technique was used a lot in the late 18th and early 19th century over polychrome or grisaille ornamentation to replace the “white highlight” in order to give more distinction to the trompe l’oeil. […]
Gelatin for Gilding
March 28, 2013 by Leave a Comment
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 […]
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 […]
Gilding at Versailles
August 31, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Gilding at Versailles is a must have for gilders! This book was written by the head conservator of Versailles. This is a rare view into the secret world of one of the most illustrious French chateaux’s. The authors did not preserve any secrets and show valuable, time-honored gilding techniques. Spanning 4 centuries, the amount of gilding […]
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