Gilding

Gold has been used to decorate religious objects for centuries. It has been applied to furniture since the 16th century. In these projects you will find pieces dating back to the 17th century as well as modern furniture that has been gilded in the traditional water gilding method. This technique requires special preparation of the wood. Seven layers of fine plaster are applied and special earth clay (bollo) tops the surface. Gold leaf (usually 23¾k) is laid onto the bollo using a special brush. The gold leaf is then burnished (and inserted) into the surface using various shaped Agate stones. This creates a durable and flexible coating. Because gold doesn't oxidize, 400-year-old gilded pieces of furniture have a brilliant sheen even before restoration. Less expensive silver leaf is a common replacement for gold and is applied by a special method to look like gold using a Mecca finish.

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