Traditional Water Gilding Classes

Charles Douglas Gilding Studio ZOOM classes

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.

The GildedPlanet.com is excited to partner with the Charles Douglas Gilding Studio to provide you with the highest quality, hands on training for the gilding arts.

Ancient and traditional method of applying gold leaf to complex and sculptural wood surfaces using true gesso, clay bole, rabbit skin glues, and agate burnishing tools. 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.

gold leaf workshops and classes

An Introduction to Traditional Water Gilding

This popular Workshop takes the student on a journey through each step of the ancient traditional water gilding method, from gesso and clay bole to laying and burnishing genuine 23k gold leaf.

Each lesson addresses a specific step of the process, keeping it challenging while not overwhelming. Students will need a set of gilding tools such as the pad, knife, and tip, various brushes, a book of 23k gold leaf and an object such as a raw wood picture frame to gild. (Assistance in acquiring these is available upon request.)


This is an 8 session class for a total of 12 hours. Each session is 90 minutes.

Date Location Time Price Status Register Now
TBD ZOOM 1:00pm - 2:30pm PST (4:00pm - 5:30pm EST; Adjust for International Time Zones; US Time Change moves forward 1 hour March 14, 2021) $295.00 AVAILABLE

Class Materials

Charles Douglas Classes - Water Gilding

Discount code will be provided during your workshop!

Complete Class Kit - Special

Purchase all the recommended tools from this educational series in one easy step.

CDWG/KIT $ 395.00
Use discount code at checkout - provided by instructor - to save even more!

Also available, Sepp Leaf Professional Water Gilding Kits. Water Gilding Tool Kit, with gesso (whiting), rabbit skin glue, clay bole and genuine 22kt Gold leaf and our Water Gilding Materials Kit, including Gilders Tip brush, gilding pad and gilding knife at Water Gilding Kits.


Purchase class items individually

Re-load on essential items!!! Every artist knows that If you use your tools right, then they will preform for you. True work horses - and in a pinch, you know which are your "go-to" tools. But even your hardest working friends need refreshing. Now is your time. And enjoy a special discount on the folowing items, exclusively through the Charles Douglas Gilding Studio Workshops. Thanks for participating in our workshops!

Use discount code at checkout - provided by instructor - to save even more!

213K/3.5 $ 90.00
Pure Sable Kolinsky - Single - 3.5" width x 2" Length - French
Gilder's Tip
MA13 $ 68.50
MA13 Agate stone burnisher - Wood Handle - German
Agate Burnisher
61/2 $ 23.00
Pure Kazan Squirrel - Pointed Mop - Quill Ferrule - Wood Handle - French
8mm Brush
625/1 $ 32.00
Mixed Squirrel - 1" Tapered - Metal Ferrule - Wood Handle - German
1" Brush
GK/S $ 39.00
Gilders Knife - Single edge with square tip 5½" blade
Gilders Knife
GP/D $ 74.00
Gilders Pad, Delux 7" x 9.1/2" W/O SHIELD - Italian
Gilders Pad
CARB3/1 $ 15.00
Florence Rouge Whiting - Gesso powder - 1 lb
Dry Gesso
RSG330/1 $ 28.00
Framers Glue - Rabbit Skin Glue - German Fine Granulated - 1 lb
Rabbit Skin Glue 1lb.
3355P/5 $ 46.50
Selhamin Red Bole - 5oz jar - Wet
Red Bole - Clay
MA23.00DB/B $ 96.00
Manetti Brand - 23kt Double Gold Leaf Book - Loose Leaf - 18 grams
23kt Gold Leaf

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