How to do Traditional Water Gilding

Essential techniques, specialty kits and professional classes.

Discover this ancient and traditional method of applying gold leaf to complex and sculptural wood surfaces.

This process uses true gesso, clay bole, rabbit skin glues, and agate burnishing tools. It produces a beautiful mirror shine. Traditional Water Gilding is one of the true 'foundational' gilding techniques that most contemporary processes build upon. It is this technique that the masters of old used to create many of the gilded panels, objects, and furniture that are housed in museums worldwide.

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Water gilding gold leaf classes

Traditional Water Gilding - online ZOOM Class

Tradional Water Gilding Classes! - Professional training from Master Gilder Charles Douglas. Vist our course listing for more information.

Be guided through each step of this beautiful, ancient method of gold leaf gilding for use on such objects as picture frames, furniture, and architectural detail. Students will learn Online to prepare rabbit skin glue, traditional gesso, and clay bole grounds followed by laying and burnishing genuine 23 kt gold leaf and basic toning.

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traditional water gilding kits and tools

Water Gilding Tool Kit

In Stock

Water Gilding Tool Kit - Includes all the tools and materials to apply Genuine Gold Leaf in the Traditional Water Gilding Method. Basic Kit contains: Gilder's Pad (Plain 6" x 6" American W/O shield), Gilder's Mop, Agate Burnisher (SL5 - see catalog), 3 " Gilder's Tip brush, Gilder's Knife (Double edge with round tip 5 ½" blade), two 3/4" Brushes, Oil free steel wool, Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, Cotton, Stirrers, Wet/dry paper. Does not include Genuine Gold leaf.

GW/TOOL $ 195.00
 Tradional Water GIlding Tool Kit		 Tool Kit
water gilding materials and supply kits

Water Gilding Kit

Includes book or 22kt Genuine Gold leaf - Loose leaf

In Stock

Includes all the tools and materials to apply Genuine Gold Leaf in the Traditional Water Gilding Method. Basic Kit contains: 22kt Genuine Gold leaf book - surface leaf, 90 grams Pebble Rabbit Skin Glue, 200 grams red gilder's clay, 200 grams yellow gilder's clay, 1 lb. French whiting for gesso, 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper, 4 wooden mixing sticks

WGKIT $ 148.00
 Traditional Water Gilding Kit		 Tool Kit
Charles Douglas Traditional Water Gilding class kit

Charles Douglas Traditional Water Gilding class kit

Professional quality materials selected to accompany the Charles Douglas professional gilding class programs.
In Stock

Water Gilding Tool Kit - Includes all the tools and materials to apply Genuine Gold Leaf in the Traditional Water Gilding Method.

GILDER’S KIT FOR “WATER GILDING” CLASSES by Charles Douglas.

KIT TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS

- 213K/3.5 - 3 1/2" Kolinsky Gilder's tip brush.

- MA13 - Agate Burnisher

- 61/2 - Mop Brush - 2 inch

- 625/1 - Mop Brush - 1 inch *** (TWO BRUSHES) **

- GK/S - Gilder's Knife - Single edge.

- GP/D -Gilder's Pad - 6 inch

- CARB3/1 - Whiting

- RSG330/1 - Farmer's Glue - Rabbit Skin Glue

- 3355P - 5oz Jar Red Bole Clay - WET

- MA23.00DB/B - 23KT Double Gold Leaf Book. Loose leaf. 25 lvs.

CDWG/KIT $ 330.00
 Charles Douglas Classes - Tradional Water Gilding Tool Kit		 Water Gilding Tool Kit