gilderen

Gilderen is the Dutch term for gilding, the craft of applying a thin layer of gold leaf or gold paint to a surface. It is used to decorate a wide range of objects and structures, including picture frames, furniture, sculptures, architectural details, and religious artworks. The practice aims to produce the appearance and luster of solid gold on a different substrate.

There are two main techniques: water gilding and oil gilding. Water gilding uses a water-soluble adhesive size, typically applied over a smooth underlayer such as gesso and bole (a red clay). After the size becomes tacky, gold leaf is carefully laid onto the surface and then burnished to a bright finish. This method yields a very bright, warm glow but requires careful environmental control. Oil gilding uses an oil-based size, which is easier to apply and more durable in certain conditions but generally does not achieve the same highly reflective finish as water gilding. Burnishing is common in water gilding; oil gilding often relies on protective sealants or varnishes instead.

Materials commonly used include real gold leaf (typically 23 to 24 carat), imitation or composition leaf for more economical applications, gesso and bole as underlayers, and various sizes (glue-based or synthetic) to secure the leaf. Surfaces prepared for gilding can be wood, plaster, stone, or metal, with finished pieces often protected by varnishes or coatings.

In historical practice, gilding has been prominent in European art and architecture since antiquity, flourishing during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, and continuing in framing and decorative arts today. Care involves avoiding excessive moisture and physical wear, with re-gilding or repair as needed.