Gilding a frame DIY

The first starter kit for gilding a frame with genuine 24kt gold leaf is designed for those who want to easily learn this fascinating and age-old decorative art. The kit includes everything you need to start with the oil gilding technique, making the learning process simple and rewarding:

• 1 Booklet of 24 kt genuine gold leaf (10 transfer leaves 8×8 cm)
• 1 Water-based size 50 ml
• 1 Brush in “Perla” synthetic bristle No. 20
• 1 Gilding cloth
• 1 Transparent varnish 50 ml
• 1 Wood frame to be gilded 14x19x0,9 cm
• 1 Gilding quide for beginners

The water based size is used for gilding indoor medium porosity surfaces (such as wood, plaster, stucco, paper and cardboard). Before starting the gilding process it is very important to remember a few rules.

WHAT NOT TO DO

• Do not touch the gold with your hands, neither before, during, or after application, but only with the tissue paper;
• Do not gild in dusty environments as the dust could remain attached to the frame.

Before starting, remove the glass and the image from the frame.

Pour a small amount of size (c. 10 ml) in a plastic cup or other suitable container and dilute with water (1 part water, 4 parts size). Dip the brush into the mixture and then spread the size as thinly and evenly as possible, taking care to avoid the size puddling up. Repeat the process 2-3 times (there is no need to wait between coatings). Once complete wash the brush with water and dry with a paper towel.

Open the booklet and remove the leaf using the tissue paper, position the downturned leaf over the surface that has to be gilded. We recommend you line it up as precisely as possible with the borders of the frame to avoid excessive wasted material. Once in position apply some pressure on the paper with your fingers to make the gold stick, then remove the paper.

30-40 seconds is recommended for this process. If more time is spent on this process there is a risk of the tissue paper also sticking to the frame, this can happen depending on the quantity of size used.

Here are 3 common mistakes, but you can fix them!

Applying the Transparent Varnish will keep the gild safe from damage and, being glossy, it will make the gild shinier.

Fill a cup or similar container with a small amount of liquid (1/5 should be plenty), then coat the gilded surface 2/3 times (there is no need to wait between coatings).

Once complete wash the brush with water and dry with a paper towel.

It is best to wait at least 12 hours for the frame to dry completely. At this point the gilding is complete, and you can handle the frame with your bare hands.