The Gilding Ground - A Simple Explanation.

 

What Is A Gilding Ground?

gilding grounds armenian bole

gilding groundsA Gilding ground served a two fold purpose, it acts as filler if working on bare wood, and as imitation gold leaf, or genuine gold leaf is so thin, they serve to give gold a warmer colour.

If you are creating an aged finish the deep red colour will show through the gold giving a very authentic appearance of antique gold, as the picture on the right shows.

Armenian bole, a refined clay, is generally used for this. But I have found that a good red ochre pigment works just as well.

The gilding ground is simply mixed with water if working with a wood or porous surface, or it may be mixed with an oil based size if you are thinking of working on a non porous surface such as glass or metal.

You can purchase a red ochre ground from the gilding supplies page.

One of the most popular finishes is the crackle glaze, lets go on to see now how the crackle glaze is obtained.

 

EVERY MONTH I SEND OUT A NEWSLETTER WHICH AIMS TO BRING YOU INTERESTING ITEMS CONCERNING THE WORLD OF GILDING AND RELATED CRAFTS. IF YOU WOULD CARE TO SUBSCRIBE PLEASE JUST MAIL Richard at gold-vault@orange.fr and put "gold-vault" in the subject box.

 
 
edenworkshops
 
Hi there, I've been browsing your wonderful website and I can't wait to have a go at some of the techniques you explore on there. Your manuals are definitely the best Iv'e found on the internet. 
Seb Dale 
  
I just want to salute your generosity in giving away your gilding knowledge. Excellent guide books,  I was not able to find such a simplified explanation in any book at the local library. 
Ghassan Haddad 
  
After looking at various sites and suppliers on the net, your site is just wonderful - clear, accessible, descriptive and demystifying. Thanks so much for making your knowledge available! Liz 
 
You did a brilliant job of mentoring me through my project, it turned out very well, I am extremely happy with the results.
Brendon
 
Your manuals are excellent. I easily worked my way through your gilded manuscript project and the result is now framed and hanging in my living room. Thank you.
Pauline