KGGG-System Fond, a Gesso Bole one-layer gilder’s clay, offers a range of benefits that make it the ideal choice for your gilding needs. It replaces the Gesso and Bole layers of the Traditional Water System, simplifying the process and reducing the effort required. This water-based burnishable gesso primer for gold, silver, and composition leaf is versatile and easy to use, making it perfect for creating water-gilded and burnished frames, interior architectural elements, and furniture ornaments. With KGGG-System Fond, you can achieve a traditional look with confidence and less effort.
Sealing the surface with Sealer P is crucial before applying the gesso/clay. This impregnation agent enhances the Fond’s adhesive properties, ensuring a smooth and successful application of the gesso/clay. By understanding the significance of this step, you’ll be well-prepared for the following process stages.
- Remember, the Fond must be stirred, not shaken. Shaking can introduce air bubbles, which can affect the quality of the application. So, staying focused and stirring the Fond thoroughly before use is essential. This attention to detail will ensure a high-quality gilding finish.
- Apply 4 to 6 layers using the Gilder’s Bole Brush, depending on the type of the present reliefs. A dry film thickness of 150 μm must be reached everywhere, where the leaf metal will be burnished later.
- The last layer should be mildly polished with a damp Fiber Cloth or Gilder’s Cotton as soon as it has dried. Afterwards, it is polished with a Wool Polishing Pad until it shines.
- After applying all the gold leaf, wait a few hours until the water gilding has dried out. Then, you are ready to polish them with the Agate Stone Burnisher to make the gold shiny.
- To achieve a bright yellow-gold finish, use yellow Fond.
- To achieve a warm gold finish, use red Fond.
- If you are gilding silver or palladium, then use black Fond.
- Recommended Reading: How to gild with Kölner KGGG System Fond
Traditional bole/gesso gilding method: Gilder’s Clay Base—also known as bole—is a clay-like substance. It is applied to the prepared surface, which is usually Gesso. Gesso is a mixture of chalk and Rabbit Skin Glue. The gilder’s clay layer and the underlying layer of Gesso create a suitable layer that allows the polishing of gold leaf with the Agate Burnisher Stone. The gilder’s clay base can only be used on absorbing surfaces. Both Lefranc gilder’s clay base and Kolner Classic Poliment are already processed with water to a paste, but you need to add some Rabbit Skin Glue to them first. Nazionale Bole is ready to be used.