Gesso and Whiting

For Traditional Water Gilding and frame making

Gesso is a key element in the production of traditional water gilding techniques.

Gesso, composed of finely ground marble dust and animal hide glue, has been a cornerstone in traditional frame making and furniture production for centuries. This mixture creates a smooth, durable surface that is ideal for painting, gilding, or other decorative finishes. The marble dust provides a fine, absorbent texture, while the animal hide glue ensures a strong bond, making gesso perfect for intricate detailing. When applied in layers and carefully sanded, it results in a flawless, polished finish that enhances the beauty and longevity of frames and furniture, preserving their artistry and craftsmanship.

gesso and whiting for furniture and gilding

Gesso - Whiting

For traditional water gilding & Gesso production

Gesso Powder Premium Florence Rouge (whiting) from Vermont, available in 1, 5, 10, 20, and 55-pound packages. Ideal for creating gesso when mixed with hide glue, perfect for traditional water gilding and other fine decorative arts.

To learn more about gesso and how to make gesso visit our knowledge center feature How to prepare gesso.


CARB3/1 $ 15.00
Florence Rouge Whiting - Gesso powder - 1 lb
Dry Gesso
CARB3/5 $ 40.00
Florence Rouge Whiting - Gesso powder - 5 lbs.
Dry Gesso
CARB3/10 $ 65.00
Florence Rouge Whiting - Gesso powder - 10 lbs.
Dry Gesso
CARB3/20 $ 90.00
Florence Rouge Whiting - Gesso powder - 20 lbs.
Dry Gesso
CARB3/50 $ 160.00
Florence Rouge Whiting - Gesso powder - 50 lbs
Dry Gesso

Animal hide glue for gold leafing

Animal Hide Glue Sizing

For the production of Gesso

Animal Hide Glue Sizing: Essential for gesso production, this high-quality glue provides a strong, reliable base for traditional water gilding and other artistic applications. Mix with whiting to create a smooth, durable surface perfect for intricate detailing and finishing. Available in various sizes for all your crafting needs.

Visit our step-by-step on How to prepare Hide Glue and Gesso Preparation.

Hide Glue - For making Gilder's Gesso


HG31503/1 $ 32.00
Granular German - 1 lb
Hide Glue
HG31503/5 $ 104.00
Granular German - 5 lb
Hide Glue
HG31503/10 $ 203.00
Granular German - 10 lb
Hide Glue
HG31503/55 $ 1,750.00
Granular German - 55 lb
Hide Glue

Hide Glue adhesive size

Rabbit Skin Gilding Size

For the prodution of Clay Bole

Rabbit Skin Gilding Size: Specifically designed for producing clay bole, this premium adhesive ensures a strong, flexible base for traditional water gilding. Mix with clay to create a smooth, stable surface that enhances the adhesion and brilliance of gold leaf. Ideal for achieving professional, long-lasting results.

Visit our step-by-step on How to prepare Rabbit Skin Glue and Gesso Preparation.

Rabbit Skin Glue - Framer's Glue #330 - Fine Granulated


RSG330/1 $ 32.00
Granular German - 1 lb
Rabbit Skin Glue
RSG330/5 $ 104.00
Granular German - 5 lb
Rabbit Skin Glue
RSG330/10 $ 203.00
Granular German - 10 lb
Rabbit Skin Glue
RSG330/55 $ 1,050.00
Granular German - 55 lb
Rabbit Skin Glue

American Gelatin Glue Size

American Gelatin Glue

For the prodution of Gesso and Clay Bole for Traditional Water Gilding Methods.

Visit our step-by-step on How to prepare American Gelatin Glue using the Sante Fe method.

The high quality glue that produces a super burnish. Easy to prepare, this natural glue makes glue equal in strength to the traditional rabbit skin glues. A new gelatin glue made from animal products maintains the natural composition of traditional water gilding, but saves time and produces a better burnish! Simple to use. Just add water, mix what you need and heat. No soaking. No making batches. No storing. Consistent and dependable, it produces the shine all gilders strive to achieve. The new gelatin glue is equal in strength to rabbit skin glue. Your personal style of gilding may cause the ratios to be adjusted and a few simple tests will lead to outstanding results. Visit our step-by-step on How to prepare American Gelatin Glue using the Santa Fe method.

For Gesso - dissolve 40-44 grams of gelatin in 14 ounces of water, heat and add whiting in the same ratio as when working with rabbit skin glue.

For Clay - Dissolve 28-30 grams of gelatin in 10 ounces of water, heat and mix with clay in the same ratio as when working with rabbit skin glue.


25BG/1 $ 38.50
Gelatin Glue - 1 lb
Gelatin Glue
25BG/5 $ 170.00
Gelatin Glue - 5 lb
Gelatin Glue
25BG/10 $ 280.00
Gelatin Glue - 10 lb
Gelatin Glue
25BG/100 $ 1,750.00
Gelatin Glue - 100 lb
Gelatin Glue

Product Description

Gesso and Whiting for traditional water gilding and frame making,

Gesso is a key element in the production of traditional water gilding techniques. Made from marble dust and animal hide glue, gesso is a traditional ground for frame making and furniture production.

Gesso Powder The Finest Florence Rouge (whiting) from Vermont sold in 1, 5, 10, 20, and 55 pound packages for the making of Gesso. Powder. Mix with Hide Glue to create gesso for Traditional Water Gilding and more.

To learn more about gesso and how to make gesso visit our knowledge center feature How to prepare gesso.

This product is available to ship immediately. All our clay bole products are shipped fully insured via UPS.

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