gellikering

Gellikering is a term used in Dutch-language crafts to describe a decorative technique that yields a gold-like finish on various surfaces. While closely related to gilding, gellikering is not limited to actual gold and often denotes work that achieves a gold-colored appearance through a range of methods, from traditional to modern.

Common methods include traditional gilding with gold leaf applied with an adhesive ground, electroplating with gold or gold-toned alloys, and the use of gold-tone paints or thin-film coatings produced by processes such as physical vapor deposition (PVD).

Gellikering is employed in jewelry, timepieces, furniture, architectural detailing, and decorative objects. In restoration and reproduction contexts, it is used to emulate historic gilded finishes.

Etymology varies by source; the term is primarily used in Dutch-speaking contexts to describe finishes resembling gold. The practice raises considerations of durability, cost, and maintenance, as gold leaf is delicate and some coatings may wear or discolor over time, requiring periodic reapplication.

See also: gilding, gold leaf, electroplating, gold-tone finish, patination.