Antiquing & Guilding

This is one of the earliest faux finishes. It was used by the Incas and ancient Egyptians to create the impression of solid gold. It also always brings to mind those extraordinary ornate gilded frames of the Renaissance which have found their place again. The term ‘gilding’ has come to include the application of not only gold but all metal leaves including silver-, platinum- and gold coloured alloys.

The Dutch metal leaf used here is one such alloy. It is affordable and perfect for this type of decorative gilding. While a photo frame is an excellent beginning for the amateur gilder, the same principle can be applied to all sorts of accessories and furniture. Antiquing a gilded object mutes the vibrance of the metal.

You will need:
- Plascon Velvaglo - Copper Berry C6 - 7
- Dutch Metal - Leaf Booklet - from art and craft shops
- Water based Gold Size e.g. Wunda Size
- Plascon Woodcare Ultra Varnish - Matt
- Flat brush for laying on Gold Size
- Paint brush for varnish
- Soft brush for fixing on gold leaf
- Fine grit sandpaper - no. 300

Here's how:
1. Paint the object with Velvaglo Copper Berry. Leave to dry for 24 hours. Sand lightly. Repeat the procedure.

2. Using a flat nylon brush, apply Gold Size thinly and evenly. Leave to dry for about 10 minutes.

NOTE: Gold Size is milky when wet, but dries to be transparent. Be careful not to make puddles or bubbles.

3. Hold the gold leaf between the two layers of tissue paper as it comes in the booklet. Cut it to the required size.

NOTE: Try not to touch the gold leaf with your fingers as they will leave marks. Pull one piece of tissue paper down leaving a strip of gold leaf exposed.

4. Attach the exposed piece of gold leaf to the outside edge of the frame. Remove the inside piece of tissue paper and let the leaf flop over. Perfection is not necessary and tearing is not serious.

5. To prevent untidy joins, overlap the pieces of gold leaf as you lay them on the object.

6. Once you have loosely covered the entire surface, take a clean soft brush and gently brush over the surface to smooth the leaf.

7. Rub with a damp piece of cotton wool to smooth out the creases.

NOTE: Remember not to touch the gold leaf.

8. Before varnishing, take Artist’s Burnt oil paint. Mix a little with some turpentine to form a creamy mixture. Paint the object. Almost immediately wipe with a piece of mutton cloth leaving colour in the grooves. Leave to dry. Varnish with Woodcare Ultra Varnish Matt. Allow to dry for 24 hours.

  source: plascon