White Gold Gilding

Gilding is a process used for centuries. To prepare the frame for gilding, a foundation of gesso, then clay is applied. Gold comes in leafs which are bound together.

Applying the leafs is a delicate process; each leaf is only a micron thick, causing the leaf to dissolve with just a touch of a finger. In this case, a brush is used to apply the gold leaf, called a gilder’s tip. The leaf is adhered with a special glue. The glue dries quickly so one must be cautious. Once the leafs are dry, we finalize with a burnisher and rub, pressing the leafs into the clay causing a shiny effect.

The piece shown is a 22K white gold hand finished frame. We went with a blue clay rub that peaks through the gilding, connecting the art with the frame.