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.