How to Apply Gilding Fabric

Update:Jun.01 2023

A gilded surface adds a special touch to a project. The process of gilding has been used throughout history to accentuate details and add a sense of importance.

In a water gilding method the gold leaf is laid directly onto a flat gesso ground. This technique requires a lot of patience, because the gilded area has to dry thoroughly before it can be burnished.

Background

Gilding is the application of a thin layer of precious metal to wood, fabric, plaster, glass, or other materials. The practice dates back 8,000 years and was widely employed by the ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians, and early Europeans.

Until now, gilding on textiles has been very challenging: gold leaf is difficult to apply and the substrate often absorbs the gilt leaving flared edges and crackling in the background.

Materials

Gold leaf has been used throughout history to add sparkle, opulence and elegance to art and architecture. Today it is still a beautiful and durable way to add a touch of luxury.

Before the gilding can begin, the surface of the item to be gilt must be cleaned and sized. This is done by applying a thin coating of a protein binder such as rabbit skin glue to the surface. This is then covered with a clay called bole.

The bole serves two functions: it fills the pores in the wood and provides a soft cushion upon which water gilded gold can be burnished to a brilliant luster. This is assisted by a layer of gilders linen placed between the gesso and the bole.

Other materials have been used for gilding, most notably an amalgam which is made of mercury and gold. This technique was described in detail by Theophilus in his twelfth century book On Divers Arts. An amalgam can be applied directly to a surface, or a paste of the amalgam is mixed with water and applied as a leaf.

Preparation

Today, gilding is still a popular decorative technique. It adds a touch of opulence and sparkle to any object. It can also give a nod to history and tradition. However, the process can be time consuming and labor intensive. It's important to make sure the surface is prepared properly.

The surface should be cleaned and lightly sanded. This is especially important if the surface has previously been painted or varnished. If the surface is too smooth it will be difficult to adhere the gesso and leaf.

The next step is to prepare the gilding surface with a coating of bole. This is a clay paste that acts as the glue for gold leaf. It is typically applied in layers. Different coloured bole can be used to achieve different tones for the gilding. For example, red bole gives a warmer tone than yellow bole. The bole is brushed on the surface and allowed to dry between each application.

Application

Gilding is a technique that involves applying a thin sheet of metal leaf to an object. Traditionally, gold leaf has been used, but other metals have also been gilded, such as copper, silver, and Dutch metal (a brass alloy that looks like gold).

The first step in the application process is to apply several coats of bole to the surface to be gilded. The gilder waits for each coat to dry before moving on. One way to test the tackiness of the bole is to glide the tip of the gilder's gilding knife over the surface. If it leaves a mark, the surface is ready for the next step.

While gilding fabric details may last hundreds of years, they are subject to the same wear and tear as all objects in modern environments. They should be stored away from light sources, heat, and dampness and displayed in a quiet location where they will not be knocked or contacted.