dorure

Dorure, or gilding, is the decorative technique of applying a thin layer of gold or a gold-like substance to a surface to produce a metallic finish. It encompasses both genuine gold leaf and imitation gilding and is used in fine art, architecture, furniture, sculpture, and bookbinding.

Gold leaf consists of real gold hammered into extremely thin sheets, typically 23-24 karat. It can be applied as leaf or in forms such as shell gold, which is gold leaf bound with resin to improve handling. Imitation gilding uses metals such as brass or copper alloys and is designed to resemble gold in color and appearance. A binding agent, known as size, is used to fix the leaf to the surface, with different formulations for water gilding and oil gilding.

Water gilding (dorure à la feuille d'or) uses a water-based size on a prepared surface, often gesso or plaster, and the leaf is laid when the size is tacky. After application, the surface is burnished to achieve a high-gloss finish. Oil gilding uses an oil-based or resinous size, making it more durable outdoors; the leaf is applied similarly but without water. Fire gilding, or mercury gilding, mixes gold with mercury and fuses it to the surface; due to toxicity it is largely historical and rarely used today.

Historically, dorure has been prominent in Byzantine mosaics and medieval and Baroque European architecture. In bookbinding, gilded edges and titles are common; in frames, statues, and furniture, gilded decorations convey luxury and ceremonial importance.

Preservation requires gentle cleaning and protection from abrasion and humidity. Repairs are typically performed by specialists who re-gild affected areas using leaf or other gilding compounds to restore the finish.