The Art of Water Gilding

The application of precious metals to enhance the appearance of architectural elements and objects of art dates back to the earliest civilizations. The oldest method of applying gold leaf is that of water gilding, an art form as much as it is a process. Leafed only by hand, water gilding produces a luster and richness unmatched by any other method of gilding.

Genuine gold leaf applied to a picture frame must be preceded by thorough preparation of the frame surface (click on oval frame image for a view of the 12-step process).

This begins with the application of finely applied layers of gesso. The gesso then is sanded to a finish as smooth as porcelain and covered with a thin layer of burnishing bole (colored clay) that will receive the gold leaf.

Alan Shuptrine, master gilder and owner of Gold Leaf Designs & Gallery, notes, "I use the old, time-honored method of gilding. I mix all of my own substances and can change them depending on the desired tone and finish. One can really see a difference between the result of water gilding as opposed to more contemporary methods. The difference is certainly worth the meticulous process.”

THE ART OF WATER GILDING
Agate burnishing of a Rococo portrait frame	The application of precious metals to enhance the appearance of architectural elements and objects of art dates back to the earliest civilizations. The oldest method of applying gold leaf is that of water gilding, an art form as much as it is a process. Leafed only by hand, water gilding produces a luster and richness unmatched by any other method of gilding. Genuine gold leaf applied to a picture frame must be preceded by thorough preparation of the frame surface (click on oval frame image for a view of the 12-step process). This begins with the application of finely applied layers of gesso. The gesso then is sanded to a finish as smooth as porcelain and covered with a thin layer of burnishing bole (colored clay) that will receive the gold leaf. Alan Shuptrine, master gilder and owner of Gold Leaf Designs & Gallery, notes, "I use the old, time-honored method of gilding. I mix all of my own substances and can change them depending on the desired tone and finish. One can really see a difference between the result of water gilding as opposed to more contemporary methods. The difference is certainly worth the meticulous process.”
Over the past 22 years, Gold Leaf Designs & Gallery has been the leading frame maker for a wide range of clients: museums, galleries, interior designers, architects, and collectors of fine art. Our Artisans create one-of-a-kind frames from raw wood. From period to contemporary styles, each frame is individually designed to complement the artwork, and any patina can be achieved. The end result is a marriage of art and frame.
	Natural Beauty ©Stephen Scott Young, 2004 Drybrush watercolor on paper 21&1/2 X 29&1/2 inches A unique, one-of-a-kind handcrafted frame created with carved and stained basswood to imitate beach driftwood. The interior section is water gilded with 16KT gold leaf over deep brown burnishing bole, accompanied by a hand-wrapped linen mat and matching gilded fillet.