Gilding
Sculpture – Lettering – Heraldry – Interiors – Metalwork – Re-gilding
Gilding, the application of gold leaf to objects in order to affect the appearance of solid gold, adds lustre and brilliance to any surface. Commonly used as a decoration for sculpture, furniture and lettering, gilding has a long life span and retains its splendour even as it mellows with age.
There are two types of gilding which see use on sculpture, each with their own purpose, and we offer our services in both.
Oil-gilding is most commonly used on exterior surfaces. It is a robust, long-lasting finish which is resistant to wind and rain, and if applied correctly can have a shine equal to burnished gold. This type of gilding is most commonly seen on external statuary, metalwork and lettering.
Water-gilding is a strictly interior finish, used specifically on wood. It requires the preparation of a ‘gesso’ ground, which is painted on in layers to ensure a perfectly smooth, slightly softened look over the carving beneath, eradicating any imperfections in the surface below. Applying gesso takes time, but results in a superior finish. It can be recut, fine detail added beyond what is possible in many woods, and the gold leaf burnished to produce an outstanding shine. It is long-lasting but more delicate, and due to the organic nature of its ingredients is only suitable for indoor applications.
We offer our services both in the gilding of existing sculpture, lettering, interiors or metalwork, and as part of creating new sculpture. Gilding is an excellent way of highlighting ornamental details and picking out decorative features, and sees common use in heraldry.
Metal leaf comes in a variety of shades, metals and carats. We work with gold, silver, palladium, platinum, and others, and can advise on the correct carat to avoid tarnishing. We offer freshly gilded finishes as well as toned and aged finishes.