Gilding. Algorithm and rules for gold electroplating Do-it-yourself gold plating

The oldest technology, with the help of which products from various materials are given a rich, aesthetic appearance.

Ancient craftsmen used leaf gilding (gold leaf) and an unhealthy technology with amalgam - an alloy of mercury and gold - for gold plating. Today, safe technologies are used in gold plating, for example, by means of electroplating.

Applications of gold plating

If earlier gold plating was used in jewelry, interior and exterior items, today gilding is used in a wide variety of areas:

In the chemical industry, when receiving paints, plastics and various materials from chemical raw materials.
In various types of transport. In cars, gold plating is used on wires and contacts, microchips and sensors. It is used in such important control systems as ABS, which are responsible for vehicle safety. It is important that the thinnest layer of gold plating gives the parts high corrosion resistance in aggressive environments.
In energy, in solar panels. The addition of gold nanoparticles increases their efficiency several times.
In modern electronic devices ranging from mobile phones to the electronics of spaceships.
In medicine, in diagnostic equipment, in the production of effective drugs used in the treatment of severe infections. Traditionally, gold plating is used in implants, both in dentistry and in other fields of medicine.

Modern gilding technologies

Mechanical, or sheet gilding

One of the ancient technologies for applying the thinnest sheets of gold to the surface. It is still used to decorate interiors, temples, and decorative and applied arts. Gilding is possible on different surfaces, but more on metals. For example, in the gilding of church domes. But the technology is very costly, which is associated with a large consumption of gold and is not used on small items. The method has two versions:

Gilding carried out on oil varnish. Moreover, the surface itself can be different in texture: metal, glass, ceramic, plastic, etc. Externally, the gilded surface looks matte, since it is impossible to achieve a golden sheen.
Adhesive gilding. This technology has ancient roots and has hardly changed. The method is used only indoors, as the coating is afraid of the influence of atmospheric moisture.

Electrochemical gilding

In the middle of the 19th century, the Russian scientist B.S. Jacobi, carrying out scientific work in electrochemistry, developed new technologies for applying coatings to metals using electroforming. These developments served as an impetus for obtaining a new method of gilding - electrochemical. This method has two options:

Electrochemical metallization is a modern technology with great efficiency. Plating with gold particles with this method is characterized by strength and fine porosity. A characteristic feature of coatings made by this method is long-term operation with unchanged properties. The coating can be applied to surfaces of different sizes, while the product does not require disassembly. Fields of application from jewelry to elements used in electronics, medicine and other areas of human activity.
Galvanic gilding is currently the most popular among gilding technologies. A characteristic feature of the method is that the product must necessarily be metallic or conductive. The essence of the method is that a product in a solution of a metal salt is exposed to an electric current. As a result of electrolytic dissociation, metal salts decompose into particles with positive and negative charges. Particles with positive charges are deposited on the metal surface of the product being gilded. Such a coating has good chemical resistance and does not react in corrosive environments. The advantages of the method are the economy of gold consumption, the possibility of coating in hard-to-reach, or in local places. The method is used on all types of metals and alloys.

Today, gilding services for various items used in various fields are offered by specialized companies that have the necessary equipment and consumables. This allows you to perform gold plating of items using various technologies and varying degrees of complexity.

Gold is a noble metal with aesthetic appeal and many valuable properties. Since it has a high cost in its pure form, the best solution is to apply a thin layer of gold to the surface of the product. There are different gilding techniques - their choice depends on the size of the object and the goals pursued.

Areas of application of gilding

Gilding is used in many areas of our life - it is performed for protective, decorative, protective and decorative purposes. In particular, plating with 18 and 24 carat gold allows you to give a status look to jewelry made of silver or metal alloys, and also helps to restore beauty to gold items that have lost their original appeal.

Gilding decor and household items ennobles the interior of apartments and houses - door handles, forks and spoons, taps, picture frames, metal parts of lamps, etc. are subjected to the procedure.

Gilding of moldings, chrome inserts, car grilles, handles, key rings is of increasing interest. It is practiced to cover discs with 24 carat gold, 18Kt / 750, 14Kt / 585.

Plating with white, pink, green gold is used in the case of musical instruments, awards, sports accessories. Special attention should be paid to the gilding of engraving, cigarette cases, lighters, flasks, weapon parts, etc.

The thinnest layer of gold is sprayed onto automotive, window and stained glass panes to control heat transfer in winter and summer. Gilding is used in dentistry. It is widely used in microelectronics.

The technology involves the implementation of the following main stages:

selection of a method of gilding and preparation of everything necessary for its implementation;
degreasing and etching the surface;
coating;
finishing treatment.

In addition to spraying the noble metal in its pure form (24 carats, 999 standard), plating with yellow, white, pink, red and green gold is practiced. Cobalt, rhodium, copper, silver (nickel) are used as alloying additions, respectively. Instead of 24-carat metal, gold plating is carried out with 18, 14, 12, 10, 9, 8 carats - the figure means weight units of pure gold in 24 parts of the alloy.

Gold leaf coating technology

Plating with gold plastic, wood, metal and other materials is carried out using the thinnest sheets - the thickness of the leaf (facing) gold is 0.13-0.67 microns. In the old days, gold leaf was made by hand; today, special equipment is used. Depending on the thickness of the sheet, free and transfer (on silk paper) gold leaf are distinguished. It is very difficult to work with the first one - the slightest breath interferes with the process. The finished material is stored in booklets - each of 60 sheets is transferred with paper. Applying gold leaf is a painstaking process. The technology is based on the ability of the rolled gold sheet to be attracted to the surface at the molecular level. There are two techniques of gilding with gold leaf: glue (for polymer) and oil (for Mordan varnish). In the first case, a glossy surface is obtained, and in the second, a matte surface. The glue method is used for internal work.

Amalgam gilding

The amalgam (fire) method of gilding is another ancient method of applying precious metal. It is characterized by a high degree of durability, but the process itself is extremely toxic and is not used today. The essence of the method is molecular penetration into the base of the precious metal dissolved in mercury (during the roasting process, mercury evaporates, but gold remains). An example of such work is the dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg.

Electroplated gilding

The process of gilding by the electroplating method is used most often today. It is applicable when processing conductive products. The electrolyte is a solution of gold salts. A part is immersed in it - when a current passes, positively charged particles released from metal salts settle on the surface of the product and form an even layer of gold.

An even better result can be obtained using the selective method of electrochemical gilding. The use of this technique makes it possible to increase the rate of metal deposition on the product by tens of times. The wear resistance and hardness of the gold plating is increased by more than 3 times. Gold penetration occurs at the molecular level. Electroplating methods are used in the gilding of souvenirs, jewelry, dentures, etc.

Immersion gilding technique

This type of gilding does not imply the application of an external current. When a part is immersed in a solution of a less electronegative metal, the process of immersion deposition occurs. After the termination of the contact exchange, it ends. The technology includes several stages - work begins with acidic surface cleaning and micro-etching, and ends with chemical deposition of a nickel layer and subsequent application of immersion gold. The technology is used in the production of printed circuit boards, element base leads, housings, microcircuits and other products where ultrasonic welding or soldering is required.

Chemical gilding methods

At home, gilding of decor, gold plating of spoons, decorative flowers and other metal objects is carried out by rubbing their surface with a paste of chlorine gold or immersion in a solution with zinc contact. In the first case, gold is dissolved in a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids (1: 3). The ratio of gold and solution is 1 g / 10 ml. The liquid is evaporated, observing safety measures. The obtained chlorine gold is combined with fused (elutriated) chalk, tartar and blood salt. After applying the paste with a brush, the object is left for a certain time. Then it is washed and polished. By mixing chlorine gold with ether, patterns and inscriptions are made.

To prepare a solution for gilding from chlorine gold, distilled water (its temperature should be about 50-60 degrees), potash and salt are combined with it. An object that has been degreased, acid etched and washed in water is immersed in the solution and touched with a zinc stick. After completion of the gold deposition process, the object is washed and polished. To understand the details of the technology, it is worth watching a master class on gilding.

Pencil gilding

Another "home" method is the use of a galvanic pencil in which the tip serves as the anode and the surface of the product as the cathode. The principle of deposition is similar to the electroplating method, but the equipment used excludes the use of a bath with a solution.

The precious metal not only adorns products, but also has protective functions. The gilding process should be entrusted to professionals - lack of experience and the use of hazardous components often lead to undesirable consequences.

Gilding is the process of applying a thin layer of gold to an object or imitating it. There are two types of gilding - gold leaf and gold leaf.

LOCAL GOLD AND POTAL - WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

GOLD LEAF

Gold leaf - natural gold in the form of the thinnest sheets that are stacked in books. Classic 960 gold leaf, but there are also other varieties. The 960-proof sheets have a warm yellow color of native gold; it is these gold sheets that began to be used in Ancient Russia. The rules for the production of gold leaf 960-carat are fixed by GOST 6902-75.

Gold leaf is suitable for use on almost any surface (wood, glass, ceramic, marble, porcelain, metal, plaster, canvas, paint layer, etc.) and is the only material suitable for gilding large objects such as domes, statues, etc. .P. Gold leaf can be used for gilding objects inside and outside the room, it does not oxidize or darken.

POTAL

Applicable only for interior work. Recommended for water-repellent surfaces (glass, metal, plastic, etc.), as well as for vertical surfaces. The glue is applied with a flat brush to the prepared surface, reaches technological tack after 30 minutes and remains usable for 3 hours.

Diluted with alcohol thinner.
For professionals

These products are commonly used when working with gold leaf.

Professional Mordan, used for both indoor and outdoor work. Suitable for all types of surfaces. The glue is applied with a flat brush to the prepared surface. The time after which it reaches technological stickiness depends on its type: slow-drying - 12 hours, quick-drying - 1.5 hours. Slow-drying Mordan remains usable for 24 hours, fast-drying for 1.5 hours.
Diluted with white spirit.
Rabbit (rabbit) glue
For special techniques and restoration work. Animal glue, available in granules for easy storage. It is used to create an adhesive base for sheets of gold leaf or leaf. To prepare the glue, dilute the glue in a water bath (100 g of granular glue per 1 liter of water) and filter with a fine mesh. You can start gilding a few hours after applying the glue.

Fish glue (gelatin)
Gelatin is usually sold as a flake that must be soaked in water for about 24 hours before use. After softening, it is necessary to finally dissolve the glue in a water bath. Unlike other adhesives, when diluted with water, it slightly increases in volume. Gelatin is used to glue gold leaf onto bolus.

Aging

Makes gold shine darker and dimmer. It is used to give products an aged look. After drying, after 12-24 hours, the bituminous varnish is fixed with shellac varnish.

Pasty bitumen is a dense, viscous substance of dark brown color. Has the same properties as conventional bitumen. Fits on almost any surface. Dries up in 12-24 hours. Varnish is recommended to prevent wiping.

It is used to give an aged look to decorated objects, and in the gilding technique. It is applied to any kind of base. After drying, it requires fixing with a finishing varnish.

Finish coating

Lac Mecca - protective varnish, applied to gilded items to protect against aging and environmental influences. Available in two types: colorless and gold-colored. The second varnish is used if you need to darken the tone of gold or give a golden hue to silver.

Varnish Tsapun (Tsapon varnish) - nitrocellulose transparent varnish for protection of products covered with gold leaf. Dries quickly, forms a transparent protective film on shiny metal surfaces, preventing discoloration and corrosion. Suitable for processing items made of silver, copper, brass, bronze, tin, iron.

Water-based varnishes can oxidize potalTherefore, if the use of such a varnish is required, at least three protective layers of alcohol-based varnish must first be applied.

Shellac (Pure gummilac)
After drying, shellac forms a strong, abrasion-resistant, glassy film. Prevents the formation of cracks and protects the leaf from mechanical and weathering. Ideal for frequently used gilded furniture.

Shellac is available both in the form of flakes, from which you can make your own varnish, and in the form of a ready-to-use varnish.

Instruments

Brush for transferring a sheet of gold / veneer to the gilder's pillow or surface. Brushes are made from bovine hair or squirrel, the size ranges from # 35 to # 85 and more. Thanks to the use of the lampzel, the thinnest sheets of gold / gold leaf are not wrinkled or torn during transfer.

Plating items with gold is used to give various metal items some of the properties characteristic of precious metals. This primarily helps to reduce the cost of the item, and also gives it an attractive and aesthetic look. Several more advantages: gold is not subject to oxidation, does not come into contact with reagents, and is not afraid of moisture and dampness. Besides, gilding improves the solder and is often used in the manufacture of microcircuits.

What is the electroplating method of applying gold

During galvanization, gilding is applied in a thin layer to the surface of various objects. These objects can be metal or made from other materials. The properties and purpose of the object itself affect the thickness of the gold coating, which can be completely different: in one case it is millimeters, in the other it is microns.

General information

Electroplating uses thin sheets of metal. The thickness of the gold leaf is very small. The technology of applying gilding to the surface of objects does not change over time.

Oil and glue are used for gilding. Special ingredients are mixed on an oil basis that firmly hold a thin gold layer on the treated surface. Oil varnish applied to the surface makes it matte. To achieve shine and shine on the surface, it is covered with an additional layer.

The characteristic gloss is given to the product by the adhesive base used in galvanization. This process must be carried out under special conditions. You should pay attention to moisture in order to achieve the best result and not to disturb the technology.

Pros and cons

The galvanic method has a number of inherent advantages. Among them is a high degree of wear resistance of materials. The reflection of light on the surface is also improved, the corrosion resistance is increased and the current conductivity is ensured.

Galvanization has, in addition to its undeniable advantages, one drawback. Over time, due to mechanical stress, as well as under the influence of other factors, the gold coating becomes thinner and wears off. In this case, the appearance of the product deteriorates, the “native” surface is exposed, and the quality of the material changes. Small items and jewelry can be returned for restoration. The master erases the old layer and applies a new one. This procedure is not cheap. The cost of the work will include the method of coating and its thickness.

How is the process going

Gilding is applied in two ways: mechanical and electrochemical. Current is applied, reagents are used. The craftsman decides for himself which layer of precious metal is to be applied.

All work is carried out in three stages

Priority	Actions
Training.	First of all, the surface is carefully polished. A special abrasive paste or sandpaper is used. This is a very important stage in the work, which removes rust, oxides and dirt. Then the surface is degreased with gasoline or acetone can be taken.
Application of gilding.	The next step is to immerse the item in gold, which is in special galvanic baths. To do this part of the job, use the necessary equipment. The devices are called drums and serve as conductors of electrical energy. The bathtubs themselves have a special protective coating that protects them from destruction during the action of an electric current.
Coated surface treatment.	After a layer of gilding covers the workpiece, the process is considered complete. Sometimes galvanization is applied so that the coated surface not only gains improved characteristics, but also increases its volume.

During the process, it is necessary to maintain a high temperature and current level, and use chemical reagents. To provide all these conditions, the necessary special equipment is required. Electroplating is used not only to use gold as a refining material. It is very often used for the deposition of "base" metals such as chromium, copper or nickel.

Usually, ligature is applied, not pure gold. The metal is diluted with other elements, but this does not in any way reduce the quality of the coating. The resulting shade matches gold and looks noble.

What products and why are they covered with gilding

The galvanic method of surface gilding has found application in various fields. This technology allows the decoration of the product and provides a technical coating in the industry. Items, jewelry, technical parts covered with gilding do not oxidize, do not deteriorate, and are resistant to aggressive effects of various substances.

Electroplating is widely used in the manufacture of inexpensive jewelry, which is especially popular with buyers of both genders. In the manufacture of gilded gizmos, products are taken from cheaper materials, which are then coated with a thin gold layer. As a result, such products can be purchased at a better price, and they look no worse than gold ones. Electroplating is used in gilding chains, bracelets, earrings, rings, watches, necklaces and even glasses. The items look very respectable, stylish and elegant.

An interesting feature: in the post-Soviet space, yellow-red gilding is in great demand among the population, and in America and European countries of Europe - a pale yellow shade. Usually, products are taken as a basis: copper, cupronickel, nickel or brass. Electroplating is also used for gilding platinum and silver. Jewelry processed in this way does not cause irritation and allergic reactions. However, at times, these jewelry can compete in price with items made of fine silver.

Sometimes jewelry or objects are only partially covered. This is done in order to impart the necessary properties of gold to a separate area of \u200b\u200bthe surface. In the jewelry industry, this way they give jewelry an original and unique design.

Electroplating is used in many areas. It can be applied to almost any item, improving its characteristics and properties. Gold leaf is used to cover the domes of churches and temples, as decoration for expensive household items, beautiful dishes, baguettes.

Applying gilding at home

For gilding objects at home, a chemical and galvanic method is used. Many reagents and reagents cannot be bought freely. These include nitric acid, potassium cyanide and hydrochloric acid. For home gilding, it is imperative to have electrolytic baths, as well as a source of constant electricity. The electroplating master must have theoretical knowledge, dexterity and experience. Care and patience must be exercised as this is a dangerous process.

Chemical methods

Gold chloride is applied to the surface to be treated. Method one. To prepare chlorine gold, the metal is forged in a thin layer and crushed into very small pieces. Then hydrochloric and nitric acid are mixed, and only then gold is added to them. A mixture of two acids is often called aqua regia. Tsar's vodka is prepared as follows: 10 g of concentrated nitric acid is mixed with 30 g of hydrochloric acid. The amount of "golden mixture" is prepared in a ratio of ten to one. That is, 10 ml of a mixture of acids (aqua regia) goes to one gram of gold.

For the dissolution process, deep china dishes are taken. The time that will be needed is different: two hours and three days. After complete dissolution of gold, the mixture is evaporated using a water bath at a temperature of 70–80˚, thoroughly stirring with a glass rod. At the end of evaporation, a viscous, golden-colored substance should appear.

To prepare the mixture, you must take:

two liters of distilled water heated to 50–60˚;
15 g of gold chloride syrup;
65 g of "Extra" salt, which is a well-purified sodium chloride;
65 g of potash - potassium carbonate.

Before starting to cover the product, degrease the surface with 10–20% sodium hydroxide. If the item is small, you can boil it in a soda solution. Then the surface is treated with 25% hydrochloric acid solution and rinsed in water.

The next stage is the preparation of a mixture, which includes potash, chlorine gold, hot water and sodium chloride. The product is immersed in a container with this solution and touched with a zinc stick. They wait a certain amount of time and pull the already gilded product to the surface. It is thoroughly washed in clean water, dried and brought to a mirror shine.

Method two. A special solution is prepared:

water - 25 g;
hydrochloric acid and nitric acid - 25 g each.

10 g of gold is dissolved in this composition. 300 g of potassium carbonate (potash) is added to the resulting mass. Next, 2 liters of water are boiled in a boiler and the prepared mixture is poured into it. Stirring occasionally, "cook" all this for two hours.

While the mixture is being prepared, the product is processed. It is etched with sulfuric acid and then nitric acid. Then a number of actions are performed, in particular, they wrap the product with brass wire (an alloy of copper and zinc), make a mixture of hydrochloric, nitric and sulfuric acid and immerse the processed product in it, literally for a short moment. Next, the object is rinsed in water and immersed in mercury, and then again in water, then dipped into the already prepared mixture. After all, they are pulled out, washed and dried. The dried product must be polished with a wool cloth.

Gold has always attracted people, they sought to decorate themselves and the space around with this precious metal. In ancient times, such luxury was the lot of only the upper strata of society and the church. With the discovery of methods for making thin foil, gold finishes have become more affordable than solid gold or gold-plated items. And potal - foil made of alloys imitating natural gold, made it quite an ordinary way of decorating architectural elements, furniture and interior items.

In the previous article, I talked about the various materials used for this decorating method. Whether you choose natural gold or a cheaper imitation of copper alloys with other metals, the basic principle of gilding technique and the tools required for this are the same.

Gilding is a process that does not tolerate fuss and rush. Therefore, from the outside it sometimes seems inaccessible to the uninitiated into the sacrament: it is quiet in the gilding workshop, no one runs or makes sudden movements, only the masters, surrounded by elegant instruments, go about their business.

This slowness and regularity is associated with the peculiarity of the material. The sheet of gold can be easily torn or crumpled. Gold foil is very thin and light, so it flies away at the slightest breath. It is also easily electrified and can stick to any foreign object.

Knife and pad

A real gilder will need a suede pad and a gold knife to cut the gilding sheets. The cushion is a board covered with thick leather, suede on the front side.

Some models have a protective shield to keep the work area free from air movement caused by drafts or by a passing person. Foil cutting knife with flexible steel blade has a rounded edge. The blade is manually polished and sharpened to cut gold leaf in one stroke without scoring.

Lampenzel and other brushes

You will also need a set of brushes - natural or synthetic, of different shapes and sizes. With the help of them, the treated surface is covered with levkas (primer), dust is removed, polymer, glue for gilding, lacquer-Mordan are applied, they are used to draw details. In general, they are used in the same way as ordinary brushes. Size, stiffness and shape are selected depending on the type of work: for elements with fine threads and brushes, smaller numbers are used.

But among the set of brushes, the gilder has a special tool with a highly specialized purpose - lampnzel... Flat, rectangular or fan-shaped, with a soft long pile - it is used to transfer sheets of gold leaf or gold leaf to a surface prepared for gilding or a cushion for cutting. Rectangular brushes are more convenient for large smooth surfaces, fan-shaped - for small details.

There are brushes for gilding from natural hair on sale. Most often, long soft and elastic hairs from the tip of a squirrel's tail or synthetic fibers are used for their manufacture. Experts advise using natural lamps for gold and silver leaf, and artificial lamps for gold leaf. Brush size and shape can be selected as needed.

Kryukarzy, rattles, caesarics

Tools for gilding work are divided into rough and gold. To clear the surface of the relief after applying the soil, tools are used that are similar to the tools of a carver: chisels, chisels, cutters, embossings, various hooks, hooks, rattles. And also spatulas for applying primer, abrasive tools - small and large, sponges.

Agate teeth

After applying tinsel and drying the adhesive layer, the surface is polished. To do this, use special polishing tools - agate teeth.

A set of gilder's polishing tools - agate teeth. Photo from the site agat-zub.ru

They have different shapes, a complete set of 10-12 different instruments. They say that the name "teeth" came from the fact that in the old days, bear's fangs were used to polish gilding. Although, most likely, they are called teeth because of their shape. And they are really made of agate, so they are very beautiful.

In addition to the tools described, gilders use cotton swabs or soft fabrics such as cambric in their work.

Gilding technology

The gilding process is very painstaking. Any negligence in the preparatory work or when applying the gilding itself, adhering dust or hair leads to defects on the surface of the product.

Traditional methods of gilding - polymeric and oil - are very laborious, the process consists of many operations. Especially difficult is polyment, but at the same time it is more effective. Oil gilding is stronger.

Preparatory (rough) work

Before applying the actual gilding, the master does a huge amount of work. First, the surface is glued: joiner's glue is applied in several layers to strengthen the part and create strong adhesion with subsequent layers of soil - levkas (a mixture of wood glue and chalk). The operation of leaching is also carried out in several layers (up to nine) with complete drying of each of them for several hours. The soil must completely hide the pattern of the material, for example, wood. If the levkas layer is thin, the texture can show through and spoil the impression of an object made of gold.

Plaster relief covered with gilding levkas. Photo from the site gilders.ru

After applying a sufficient layer of levkas, the embossed pattern is cleaned to restore the clarity lost from numerous layers of soil. After cutting the relief, the part is polished with pumice and horsetail or modern abrasives, achieving porcelain smoothness, gently remove dust and wipe with a damp cloth or chamois.

After drying and thoroughly checking the surface for defects, you can proceed to applying the polymer. Do not touch the surface prepared for gilding with your hands - fingerprints can ruin the final result.

Gilding for polymer

Polymer gilding allows you to get interesting results by combining different textures of gold. Those parts of the relief (depressions) that will be covered with matte gold (for example, melted) are tinted with ocher to give the gold coating a greater visual depth. The rest of the surface is covered in several layers with a polymer.

Gelatin is carefully applied to the places painted with golden ocher so as not to touch the polymer. After drying, the surface covered with polymer is polished with a cloth. For a more matte effect, the concave parts of the relief can be coated first with sheets of silver and then with gold.

The prepared polymer layer is moistened with diluted vodka, and then pieces of gold leaf are transferred to the treated area using a lampnzel or a golden knife. The sizes of the foil pieces (stanzas) depend on the relief details: for large elements, larger pieces or whole sheets are used. The water wets the fish glue that is part of the polymer, the alcohol evaporates and a piece of gold foil is drawn into the polymer layer and sticks.

The sheets of gold are stacked so that there are no gaps left, "nailed", shaded to the surface with a cotton swab or an ordinary squirrel brush (in the recesses). If uncovered spaces remain between the foil elements, small pieces of patches are applied to them.

After about an hour, the gilded surface can be polished. Before that, it is necessary to wipe off the remnants of gilding with a dry brush without effort. Only cover an area with gold that can be polished on the same day.

Oil gilding

The method of gilding by oil preparation is simpler, although it will also require rough priming. The soil is selected depending on the base material. For wood, plaster or papier-mâché elements, just like in the case of gilding on polyment, you can use gesso. Metal parts are treated with a metal primer. After the soil has dried, the surface is painted in yellow-golden tones to highlight the gold coating.

Gilded wood frame. Photo from the site drevox.com

The prepared area is varnished in several layers with complete drying and grinding of each layer: the smoother the surface, the better the result. Then lacquer-Mordan is applied. Its composition can be different, now there are synthetic drugs on sale with different "lifetimes" - from 12 to 1.5 hours.

For large surfaces, it is worth choosing compounds that dry for a long time. Mordan is dried to a “touch-free” state - when the surface seems dry, but when touched it sticks.

The gilder is working. Photo from the site bizsol.co

The time indicated by the manufacturer is approximate, drying depends on humidity and temperature. Therefore, you need to make a sample on which to control the degree of drying of the varnish - the gold foil should adhere firmly and smooth out well with a swab. If the gilding shifts during smoothing, the gold "sinks", you should still dry the varnish. Gold does not stick to overdried Mordan. In this case, it is worthwhile to completely dry the applied layer and re-coat. As described earlier, the excess gilding is removed with a brush and the surface is polished.

Although the process of gilding seems complicated, the most important thing in it is the ability to painstaking work and attention to every detail. It is worth trying your hand at this type of decoration. The next article will discuss the use cases for this technique.