Gilders Tools THE FOLLOWING TOOLS CAN BE USED IN WATER GILDING: · Gilders Cushion: Used as a safe surface on which to cut and prepare the metal leaf · Gilders Knife: A balanced knife with which to cut the gold into piece · Gilders Tips: Usually made from Squirrel or Badger hair (Squirrel is arguably the best choice) the tips are used to transfer the cut gold onto the surface · Hog Hair Fitches: Used for the application of Gesso and Bole. · Gilders Mop: Used for the application of Mordant. · Sable and Camel Hair Brushes: Used for painting upon gilded surfaces, or skewing gold off the finished surface in fine areas. · Selection of Bristle Brushes: Various uses. · Various Burnishing Stones: For burnishing the finished surface. · Assortment of Modelling Tools: For repairing or creating profiles and missing pieces. · Range of Carving Chisels: For re-carving the edges of applied Gesso on finely detailed work.   THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS ARE USED IN WATER GILDING · Rabbit Skin Glue: Made from the animals , this glue is used in several of the gilding processes. It is obtainable in granules and must be made up in a Rabbits Skin Glue Size to be used. · Gilders Refined Whiting: Very finely ground chalk, or calcium carbonate, used in the creation of Gesso. Gilders whiting is a lot more refined than ordinary 'household' whiting, which would be much too coarse. · Fine Silk: Used to create Interlaggio for gaps and corners. · Fine White Cotton Rag: For polishing the Gesso and Bole. · Yellow Pigment: For the recesses of the subject, enabling a more sympathetic finish within hard to reach areas. · Armenian Bole: Available in a range of colours, this fine clay makes an excellent final layer for the gold. It is the abilities of the Bole that makes burnishing possible. · 0000 Flour Paper: For gentle sanding of the Gesso. · Gold Leaf: For application upon the surface. · Alcohol: Used in the mordant, the alcohol thins the water and helps evaporation. · Beize: Used for providing a polished surface on the Bole, prior to application of the leaf. [Home] [Gilding Guide] [Gilders Tools] [Gilding Recipes] [Using Goldleaf] [Oil Gilding] [Water Gilding] [Gilding Classes] [Photo Section] [Contact Us] [Donations] [Site Index]