Gilding 

Gilding is a skilled and labour intensive technique. The process of covering wooden objects with thin gold leaf to replicate solid gold was used by the ancient Egyptians. Very little has changed with the traditional method of water gilding frames that we use today since the Renaissance times. In water gilding it is the preparation that is most important, the quality of the gilding will only be as good as the initial preparation.

When we make new gilded frames we usually use a wood called obeche which comes from North Africa. The frame is cut to size and joined, the corners are filled and the frame is given a quick sand. The surface is then sized with animal glue. Sometimes silk is put over the corner joints - known as intelaggio, this helps to reduce the inevitable cracking of the gesso at the corners as the wood moves over time. Next the gesso is applied, made from whiting (calcium carbonate) and animal glue, the gesso fills the grain and provides the smooth foundation for the gilding. We usually apply 6 to 8 coats. The gesso is sanded smooth and then painted with fine coloured clay mixed with animal glue, this is called bole. The bole colour is usually red, but can be black, yellow, grey etc. The colour of the clay has a subtle effect on the colour and tone of the gilding. Finally the gold leaf is applied to the frame, using special tools and techniques. The water gilding can be burnished with an agate stone, this process condenses the leaf into the bole and produces the mirror like finish which is unique to water gilding. The leaf is often then carefully distressed to reveal the colour beneath, this also shows the distinct overlapping lines of each piece of gold.

We are able to re gild antique frames and supply reproduction antique frames to suit old paintings as well as making gilded frames for modern and contemporary art work using traditional water gilding and oil gilding techniques. Frames can be hand finished in many different and unique ways. We have a large selection of gilded and hand finished samples on display, with gold leaf, bronze powder, silver, aluminium, palladium, and metal leaf finishes. Please see articles for detailed descriptions of the gilding process  and other picture framing and restoration related topics. 

Coming soon!
Details of some decorative techniques used in gilding and frame making such as pastiglia, sgraffito, and granito.