Blattvergoldung

Blattvergoldung, also known as gilding with gold leaf, is a decorative technique used to apply a thin layer of gold to a surface. This technique has been practiced for centuries across various cultures and is employed in a wide range of applications, from fine art and religious artifacts to architectural elements and furniture. The process involves carefully transferring extremely thin sheets of gold, known as gold leaf, onto an adhesive ground applied to the object being gilded.

The preparation of the surface is crucial for successful blattvergoldung. The object must be cleaned and smoothed to ensure a uniform application. Depending on the desired finish and the type of gold leaf used, different adhesives, or "grounds," are applied. Traditional methods often involve oil-based or water-based adhesives. For oil gilding, a slow-drying oil-based paint is used, allowing for a longer working time. Water gilding uses a water-based adhesive, often made from gelatin or rabbit-skin glue, which dries quickly and allows for burnishing the gold to a high sheen.

Gold leaf for blattvergoldung is typically made from alloys of pure gold, hammered into exceptionally thin sheets, often less than a micrometer thick. These sheets are then cut into small squares and typically adhered to delicate tissue paper for easier handling. The application process requires precision and specialized tools, such as gilding brushes and knives, to meticulously place and smooth the gold leaf onto the prepared surface. After application, the excess gold is brushed away, and depending on the chosen method, the surface can be burnished to achieve a lustrous, mirror-like finish or left with a matte appearance.