Water gilding is a traditional technique that has been used for centuries and involves the application of gold leaf onto a smooth surface using brushes and other gilders tools.

​

The substrate is prepared for gilding by first applying a mix of rabbit skin glue and calcium carbonate (whiting) known as "gesso". Depending on the type of gilded detail that will be applied to the surface, the number of coats can vary from between around 6 to over 20. 

​

After the top layer of gesso has been smoothed, several coats of a coloured clay known as "bole" are brushed on and polished to a shine before the gold leaf is applied. Different colours of bole can affect the appearance of the gold and the most common colour is yellow, and often red is applied to any high points.

​

The gold leaf is cut to size and adhered to the bole using a gilders "liquor" or "sizing liquid". Once the gold leaf has been applied and tamped down, an agate stone is used to burnish it to a high shine.

​

Water gilding can often be seen on frames, furniture and flat decorative surfaces.

​

​