Gilding

Laying gold leaf

Gilding tempera (or water gilding) is a relatively fast operation compared to previous steps but is very delicate.

Golden leaves are extremely fragile, their thickness varies between 0.4 and 0.8 micron. They should not be touched with the fingers and require specific working conditions : laying gold leaf does not support the slightest breeze and requires considerable technical expertise.

The gold leaf is flat on the gilder's cushion blowing over and cut with a knife if it takes a part.

Gilder's bucket and gilder's cushion

Operations prior to the installation of the sheet implement skin glue, the support is so rich in collagen, so just moisten, with a brown bucket containing water at room temperature, added a bit of glue and possibly alcohol, to restore its adhesive qualities and speed drying.