|
Oil Gilding
Oil gilding is perhaps the easiest process of all. In theory you can oil gild any object that you can paint, but it is especially fitting when wanting to gild a metal object. Also, if the object is to be outside in the elements, or is in a damp atmosphere, then oil gilding is the choice.
The following is a demonstration on how to oil gild a small metal object (for the purpose of this exercise a cast iron door stop). All pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them and then using the browser back button.
For this exercise you will need the following equipment: 
- Gilders pad
- Gilders tip (preferably squirrel hair)
- Gilders mop
- Gilders knife
- Artists fitch
- 4 hour gilders size (oil)
- Vaseline
- A book of gold leaf
- A small metal object
STEP ONE:
 First, you will need to prepare the object in question. Although anything can be gilded, you will have to ensure that the object is in a sound condition. The size that will be applied is similar to paint in that if it can be painted, it can be gilded. Ensure that the surface is clean, dry and free from grease. Remove any defects, rust or flaky paint and residue. Clean in warm soapy water if neccessary. You can gild directly onto bare metal and if possible, this is the best surface. It must be noted, that any bits, cracks or contaminants on the surface WILL show up through the gold, so good preparation is vital.
STEP TWO
 Okay, once you piece is ready, you will need to apply a single coat of gilders size to the surface. For this exercise  I have opted to you use Lymm’s 4 hour clear size. The time means that after application, gold is applied up to four hours later. The longer you can wait, the better the finish - although if it dries, you will be back to square one! I find about two and a half hours is sufficient. To test the tackiness of the size, use the hairs on the back of the finger. Ideally, the size should be at a point about 45 minutes before completely drying.
STEP THREE
 Starting in a corner, or appropriate area, lightly place the gold on the tip onto the size. The gold will stick to  the size and leave the tip. At this point be careful not to let any of the hairs on the gilders tip touch the size. If you have some gold leaf residue staying on the tip, there may be a little too much vaseline - in which case rub the tip through your fingers to dissipate. If there are recesses on the object you are gilding, try to put the gold into these areas. However, in most cases, the gold will bridge these but can be filled in later.
|
