HISTORIC RECIPES FROM ORIGINAL PERIOD TREATISES
Numerous treatises written by gilders and illuminators referencing workshop
materials and procedures have survived. The recipes, materials and procedures
described therein are remarkably similar from one local to another through out
Europe and the Middle East as well as across the centuries from the medieval
period through the renaissance and into the eighteen century.
GILDING VARIATIONS
FLAT- Gold leaf applied with a simple adhesive such as garlic, gum or glue. The resulting
gild will be matt.
RAISED- A filler such as chalk or slaked plaster is present in the preparation layer under the
gold leaf raising it up above the surface of the support.
BURNISHED- Bole is present in the preparation layer allowing the gilding to be polished
resulting in an extremely bright shinny finish.
EMBELLISHED- Gilding which is further enhanced with paint or punched patterns.
MORDANT- Leaf gilding applied to a sticky preparation over a painted surface.
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