What is Water Gilding?
The art of gilding is a process that has remained almost unchanged for hundreds of years. A moulding profile is milled, carved and sanded. Three to ten layers of gesso primer are brushed over the wood profile. Coats of clay with a glue binder, called bole, are applied, sanded, and rubbed with steel wool in order to achieve a glass like finish to accept the gold leaf. The surface of the frame is dampened with a water-based “gilder’s liquor”
(usually a mixture of water, alcohol and rabbit skin glue), hence the term Water Gilding.
A gilder applies thin layers
of gold leaf, then burnishes, distresses, adds patina to the gold to create the look of an historic, period frame. Most commonly 22karat gold leaf is used for water gilding because of its weight and ease of handling. The result: a beautiful gilded frame.
Lasting Beauty.
Hand water gilded frames can turn an art collection into a museum quality display for your home. Antique family photos, memorabilia, and personal collections can also be surrounded by the finest frames to create tomorrow’s heirlooms. These beautiful frames provide you with an opportunity to embellish all the art for your home and create true
masterpieces.
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