Water gilding is a traditional technique for applying gold leaf to wooden surfaces. This method involves multiple layers of gesso and bole (a type of clay), followed by burnishing with an agate stone to achieve a beautiful, shiny, golden finish. Historically, the ancient Egyptians commonly used this technique to adorn picture frames, valuable objects, and furniture.
This workshop will teach you how to apply water gilding on wood using genuine gold leaf, following the traditional methods of the ancient Egyptians.
— Water Gilding Workshop Outline:
- Introduction to gilding tools.
- How to make the gesso using rabbit skin glue and the gilder’s whiting (chalk)
- How to prepare the bole/gilders clay and apply it correctly
- How to make the water size.
- How to gild with genuine gold leaf (loose).
- Burnishing and finishing the gilded surface.
- Protecting the gold leaf.
Need to know:
- The workshop is one day (about 7 hours).
- Due to the complicity of this Traditional Water Gilding workshop, a maximum of two people per workshop.
- No previous gilding experience is required.
- No refund and no reschedule.
- Off-street parking is available.
- Free snacks, coffee and tea are available.
- All the tools and materials (gilder’s kit) covered in this workshop will be provided for you to use (and take) during the workshop.
Instant Gilder:
By the end of this Traditional Water Gilding workshop, you can gild on your own. Give it a try; it might be one of the best experiences you’ve ever had! Good luck! Remember, opportunities don’t just happen; you have to create them. Are you ready to embark on a new journey? Register your interest here.