{"id":40765,"date":"2023-04-24T16:59:13","date_gmt":"2023-04-24T15:59:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fineart-restoration.co.uk\/?p=40765"},"modified":"2023-04-25T11:31:37","modified_gmt":"2023-04-25T10:31:37","slug":"midas-touch-caring-for-gold-leaf-decoration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fineart-restoration.co.uk\/news\/midas-touch-caring-for-gold-leaf-decoration\/","title":{"rendered":"Midas touch: caring for gold leaf decoration"},"content":{"rendered":"

Frames are not the only gilt items to benefit from professional care, our gold leaf experts work with a wide variety of antique and modern pieces. Applied by hand using centuries old techniques, gilding can be finished to a level that suits the historic appeal of an object or revived to its original grandeur.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"GiltAbove: a selection of gilded items including an armchair, wall clock and standing <\/em>Buddha<\/i><\/span><\/h6>\n

This article will explore the care of many gilt items, from baroque motifs and mantle clocks to ornate chairs, tables and interiors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is gilding?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Gilding is the application of gold leaf to a surface – typically wood, gesso, metal, plaster, porcelain or stone. This process achieves an impressive metallic finish at a fraction of the cost and weight compared with solid gold. You may also come across gilt objects finished in silver or bronze.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"GiltAbove: detail of a gilt wall relief figure, 18th century<\/em><\/h6>\n

Gilt surfaces are often found on the following items:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Picture frames<\/li>\n
  • Mirror frames<\/li>\n
  • Sculptures<\/li>\n
  • Gates and fences<\/li>\n
  • Interior relief decoration<\/li>\n
  • Wall sconces<\/li>\n
  • Candlestick holders<\/li>\n
  • Chandeliers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    \"GoldAbove: a selection of gilt antiques including a pair of torch\u00e8re figures, an armchair, a church sculpture, mantle clock, chandelier and Chelsea teapot\u00a0<\/em><\/h6>\n
      \n
    • Clocks<\/li>\n
    • Porcelain<\/li>\n
    • Furniture<\/li>\n
    • Asian screens<\/li>\n
    • Certificates<\/li>\n
    • Trinket boxes<\/li>\n
    • Historic shop signs<\/li>\n
    • Mixed media art<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Gold leaf is hammered from a nugget of gold, creating sheets that are around 0.1 micrometre thick. Gilding is usually completed with 22 carat gold to prevent tarnishing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      \"BoucherAbove: gilt relief decoration surrounding a Boucher panel, 1753<\/em><\/h6>\n

      Gold leaf application<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      For a perfect finish, gilding should be applied by a skilled craftsman or conservator. Traditionally, gold leaf is set into place using water or oil. Determining whether gilding is water or oil-based will help in its preservation and restoration.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      \"ApplyingAbove: our conservator applying gold leaf<\/em><\/h6>\n

      In many cases, oil gilding may have been used to historically repair water gilding, as this is a slightly easier method. Oil gilding uses a varnish-like paste to apply the gold leaf to a sealed surface, whilst water gilding introduces several further steps to produce a suitable surface before the gold leaf is introduced, including the additions of a gesso and glue base. Gilding can be assessed and tested by our conservators to establish the methods used.<\/span><\/p>\n