Giltwood’s Gold Leaf Gilding

Gilding is the art of applying a thin layer of gold leaf or other precious metals such as silver, platinum, copper etc to a surface, enhancing its appearance with a luxurious and radiant finish. This intricate process is often used on furniture, picture frames, and architectural elements to add an elegant touch. 

There are several types of gilding, each offering a unique finish. Water gilding involves using a clay base that can be burnished, suitable for intricate and high-quality work. Oil gilding uses an oil-based gold size, ideal for outdoor projects. Dutch leafing, or imitation gold leaf, provides a cost-effective option while still delivering a beautiful appearance. 

With the right preparation, you can gild just about anything that can be sealed appropriately.  Having gilded many thousands of items over the past 50 years, some of the more interesting jobs have been gilding a 65-year-old vintage car, a collectable BMX bicycle, a privately owned mannequin, a Grand piano, and so many more. 

Gilt restoration involves repairing and preserving gilded surfaces that have deteriorated or been damaged over time. This process includes cleaning, replacing any missing design elements then preparing surfaces for reapplying gold leaf, and protecting the surface, ensuring the object's original splendour is restored while maintaining its historical integrity. 

Gilding has a rich history dating back to ancient Egypt, where artisans used it to decorate tombs and temples. The technique evolved through the ages, from the Byzantine Empire to the Renaissance, each period adding its unique flair to the craft. Today, gilding remains a treasured art form celebrated for its timeless elegance.

Gold leaf is created by hammering gold into thin sheets between parchment, starting from gold bars that are rolled out and carefully beaten to achieve the desired thickness as thin as 1/100000th of an inch thick. The majority of gilding on picture and mirror frames is done with imitation gold or silver leaf, known as Dutch metal or schlaggmetal. It has been used since the early 19th century and provides a strong, durable, and very lustrous finish at a lower cost than using genuine gold or silver leaf. 

Gold leaf is available in various types, including genuine gold, silver, and imitation leaf. Genuine gold leaf comes in different karats, such as 22k and 24k, with 24k being the most expensive due to its pure gold content. Silver leaf offers a bright, reflective finish, while imitation leaf is cost-effective and versatile for various projects. 

A karat is a unit of purity for gold, with 24 karats representing pure gold. Each karat indicates 1/24th part of the whole, meaning 18 karat gold contains 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. Knowing the karat value is essential for assessing the quality and value of gold items.