Craftsmanship
Gold leaf, applied by hand
Water gilding, oil gilding and metal leaf, the highest expression of applied finish.
Water gilding, oil gilding and metal leaf, the highest expression of applied finish.
Gilding is the application of metal leaf, gold, silver, copper, aluminium or Dutch metal, to a prepared ground. At Make Bespoke Studio, it is used to finish carved timber, glass panels, lacquered surfaces and architectural joinery elements where a precious surface quality is specified.
We work in both water gilding and oil gilding. Water gilding, the traditional technique, requires a chalk gesso ground, clay bole, and burnishing with an agate tool to achieve a bright, reflective finish. Oil gilding is more durable and suited to exterior or high-traffic applications.
Gilding appears across our hospitality projects, bar fronts, restaurant ceiling coffers, hotel lobby detailing, and residential commissions: dining room niches, console tables, mirror frames and decorative door surrounds. It is often combined with verre églomisé or hand carving.
Chalk gesso applied in multiple coats, rubbed back between each to a flawless base.
Clay bole, red, yellow or black, applied over gesso, determining the final warmth of the gold.
Metal leaf floated onto wetted bole or oil size with a gilder's tip, lapped at joins.
Agate burnisher drawn across dry leaf to consolidate the metal and achieve brilliance.
