Sunday, March 1, 2009

Highlights on Oil Gilding

This is a 'rough-cut' video, but here are some highlights about oil gilding......... 

Several additional points:   As you lay down thin squares of gold, it's naturally breaking up a little here and there, so there will be little 'holiday' spots to patch.  These get patched over immediately as you go, and it all smoothes into one coat of gold.  If the size dries out too much, or you can't do it all in one sitting, simply resize over the gold and when the tack is ready, do another layer, or carefully size portions and patch.

Gold leaf typically costs about $40 per 'booklet' of 25 square leaves.  It's taking approximately two books to cover the panel in my demo, counting patching.  *An additional note:  imitation gold leaf looks nearly as nice as the real thing, and it's just about $7 per book.  The only thing you must be sure to do with imitation gold leaf is to shellac over it to avoid tarnish.
Here are some online resources for gilding information and supplies:

*Best viewed with Quicktime 7 (free download)

6 comments:

Edward Burton said...

Very interesting, Mona, thank you for showing us how you work!

Debra Keirce said...

Hi back at you from Northern VA Mona! It's fun watching your videos. I've never gilded before, but you make it look fun. I may try it! Since the cost of materials is so high, I will choose my project carefully!

dominique eichi said...

GReat stuff Mona, I appreciate all the info.

artbyakiko said...

Moan, it's fascinating! Good thing I watched your video today. I didn't realize how careful each gold leaf must be handled. I already have an idea of doing some angel cats with gold leaf. :) Looking forward to the next video!

I'll do another giveaway soon. ;)

Mona Diane Conner said...

Glad to know it's helpful.

Wes and Rachelle Siegrist said...

Hi Mona,
Wes and I really enjoyed watching your video on the gold leafing process. It was quite interesting! Thanks for sharing it.
Rachelle and Wes :-)