Water Gilding Technique part 1

In water gilding, preparation is a key element. The smoothness and soundness of the surface beneath the gold is a crucial factor for the finished product. In water gilding, the gold can be burnished with an agate burnisher to mirror-like finish. A common misconception is that when the surface is burnished, the gold leaf is polished. In reality, the soft clay bole surface beneath is polished underneath the gold. These are steps involved in creating a water gilding substrate.

	Choose a solid piece of wood as a base. Solid hardwood is best, but plywood also works. This wood is then sized with a solution of rabbit skin glue to prevent uneven moisture absorption. As a buffer between the wood and the gesso ground, the wood is covered with a thin piece of fabric. This fabric is adhered to the panel with rabbit skin glue solution as well.
	Once the fabric is adhered to panel, it is ready to receive the gesso or chalk ground, which is made up of rabbit skin glue and chalk. Thin layers of gesso are applied in succession to create a smooth working surface. Most gilders will apply six to eight layers, but some will even go as high as 12 to 14.
	When the gesso has dried, the soft clay bole is applied next. Traditionally a red-colored bole is used, because the gold is so thin, the red color can be seen through the gold. This addition of the red glow from beneath the gold gives gold a warm tone. The red bole paste is mixed with rabbit skin glue and applied to the surface in the same way the gesso was applied previously.