Gilding Classes - Start Your Gilding Journey
In-Person and Online (Zoom) — Gold Leaf and Gilding Instruction
Learn through guided, hands-on training with the right materials and techniques
Learn directly from experienced master gilders through focused classes designed to build real skill. Whether you're just starting or refining your technique, these sessions help you understand the process, use the right materials, and achieve better results.
Choose from in-person workshops and live online classes, all supported by curated class kits and clear learning paths so you can apply what you learn immediately.
Choose Your Learning Path
Absolute Beginners
Online entry point for students who do not know where to begin and need a structured introduction.
Oil Gilding
Focused instruction for wood, metal, and stone using mordant gilding and oil size systems.
Glass Gilding / Verre Églomisé
Project-specific training in reverse gilding on glass and other higher-skill decorative applications.
Traditional Water Gilding
In-person advanced instruction focused on classic frame preparation, gesso, bole, and genuine gold.
Featured Instructors and Partners
Charles Douglas Gilding Studio
The current page highlights Charles Douglas Gilding Studio as a major partner offering dozens of classes, both online and in person, spanning foundational through advanced gilding techniques.
Catherine Lignier – Kintsugi
The current page also highlights Catherine Lignier’s online master classes in Kintsugi, positioned as a rare chance to learn from one of the few global experts trained by Urushi masters.
Lynne Rutter Studio
The page includes a four-day in-person water gilding class in San Francisco, focused on preparing and gilding a Florentine picture frame using genuine gold leaf.
Why Take a Class?
Learn faster, with fewer mistakes
A class helps you understand the process quickly so you avoid common issues with adhesion, handling, and finish quality.
Use the right materials from the start
Class kits and guided instruction ensure you’re working with the correct leaf, size, and tools—no guesswork or wasted product.
Build confidence for future projects
Once you’ve completed a guided project, it becomes much easier to take on your own work with better results and more control.
Need a Class Kit?
Students should be able to move directly from class discovery into kit and materials purchasing without friction.
Need Project Guidance?
If you know the application you want to learn—glass, exterior, restoration, or frames—go to the relevant project page for materials logic.
Need a Simpler Starting Point?
If you are not ready to commit to a class, Start Here will route you into kits, comparisons, and beginner-friendly materials.
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