Gilding is one of the most ancient and beautiful arts dating back thousands of years and simple, yet professional results are within the reach of everyone. The technique of water gilding is difficult to master, but the results are magnificent, especially on small areas. The secret to successful results lies in the preparation of the surface prior to gilding.
- Make sure the surface you are gilding is clean and dry. Melt rabbit skin glue granules in a double boiler, this will take 5 to 10 minutes. When the granules are dissolved, the size will be the consistency of runny caramel. Sift just enough gesso power into the melted granules to color the liquid. Heat until the liquid is translucent. Paint on to the surface so that it takes into the grain and leave the object to dry overnight.
- Melt two parts rabbit skin glue to one part water. Take off the heat and sift in enough gesso powder to color the liquid. Put back over the heat and stir well to dissolve all the lumps. While still warm, apply the liquid to the surface, you can apply up to 12 coats. Try to complete this stage on the same day and leave the final coat to dry overnight. Alternatively, apply up to 12 coats of ready made gesso in white or your chosen color.
- To make the gilding water, half fill a jar with water. Slowly add methylated spirit (paint thinner) until the water is lightly colored. Add a teaspoon of melted rabbit skin glue and stir well until the solution is thoroughly mixed. Paint a small amount on to the area you wish to gild first. This will enable the leaf to adhere to the surface.
- Gently place loose gold leaf on to the dampened surface and press down lightly with cotton balls. Continue painting on the gilding water and applying the gold leaf until the whole area is covered. Any small bare parches can he covered using a sable brush and small pieces of leaf. Leave to dry for an hour.
- When the surface is dry, burnish with an agate burnisher, going over the surface several times until a deep shine begins to appear. Do not press too hard, since this will soften the gesso.
- To distress the surface to give an aged effect, gently rub the surface with wire (steel) wool. Do not rub too hard and rake, take care to distress only the areas that would receive wear naturally. When satisfied, seal the whole surface with clear wax. Leave to dry, and then polish with a soft cloth to improve the luster.
LIQUID LEAF
Apply an oil or water-based primer to the surface to be gilded and leave to dry. Paint on a base coat in the desired color and leave to dry. Shake the bottle of liquid leaf and brush on to the surface with a bristle or gilding brush and leave to dry for approximately twenty minutes. Seal with a poly-urethane varnish or shellac. Apply an oil or water based primer then paint on abase coat in the desired color and also allow that to dry.
Apply the paste to the surface using ac-kith or brush. Pay particular attention to any areas of detail then leave to dry. After, rub the surface with a soft cloth, then seal with a ?MX Or pedish and polishingrubber if required.
POWDERS
- Apply an oil or water-based primer to the surface and leave to dry. Paint on abase coat in the desired color and leave to dry. Apply oil or water based size and leave to become tacky.
- Place a little powder at a time on a saucer and dip a brush into the powder, tapping off any excess, and brush on to the size. Always work in a well ventilated area and a good distance from the powder
- Seal with a polishing rubber or a coat of French enamel varnish. The color of the varnish adds a lovely jewel like finish to the gold.