Gilding
Gilding Techniques, Care and Maintenance, published by Historic Environment Scotland in January 2007 states: ‘Gilding is the application of thin layers of metal, most commonly gold, onto a surface. It is often to be found as decoration for picture frames and furniture, but architectural gilding can also be found on detailing in the decoration of rooms, or on external details such as heraldry and inscription panels.’
It goes on to state: ‘Gilding appears as a solid surface whereas paint will appear more granular, streaky and dull in appearance by comparison. Whilst gold leaf does not tarnish, paint oxidises and consequently becomes a green-brown colour on ageing. This makes gold leaf relatively easy to identify. True gilding retains its characteristic metallic sheen long after paint has lost its original shine. If there is doubt over whether or not gilding is present, the situation should be treated with caution until a professional opinion can be obtained.’
The two main techniques for gilding are oil gilding and water gilding.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Historic England publishes research into embodied carbon when retrofitting traditional buildings.
New Prime Minister delivers on ECA call for cut in electricity costs.
CIOB reacts to the announcement of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister.
Heritage and conservation science workforce survey - Have your say.
England's Suburbs 1820-2020. Book review.
New, more proportionate and targeted approach for higher-risk building assessments.
Government brings British Steel into public ownership.
UKCW Birmingham returns with bold new theme and focus.
New guidance published on competence requirements for self-certification schemes.
Construction Management, 8 July
NEETs crisis drives interest in trades, but apprenticeships barriers remain.
Passive fire protection webinar
MEP services penetration seals.
Where its at podcast (and video) - The role of the Architectural Technologist as an Expert Witness.