kiillotusprosessi

Killotusprosessi, or the gilding process, refers to the application of a thin layer of gold onto a surface. This technique has been used for centuries across various cultures and applications, from decorative arts and religious artifacts to architectural elements and even consumer products. The primary purpose is to impart the aesthetic appeal and perceived value of gold to less expensive materials.

Historically, gilding was often achieved through mechanical means, such as hammering thin gold leaf onto the prepared surface. This method, known as water gilding or burnish gilding, required a high degree of skill and meticulous preparation of the substrate, which needed to be smooth and absorbent. The gold leaf, incredibly thin, adheres to the surface through pressure and friction, allowing for a lustrous finish after polishing.

Another significant method is mercury gilding, though it is now largely obsolete due to the toxicity of mercury. In this process, gold was amalgamated with mercury, forming a paste. This paste was then applied to the object and heated, causing the mercury to evaporate, leaving the gold behind. This technique offered a durable and bright finish but posed severe health risks.

Modern gilding techniques often involve chemical or electroplating methods. Chemical gilding can utilize solutions containing gold compounds, which are deposited onto the surface through chemical reactions. Electroplating, or electrogilding, is a widely used industrial process where a thin layer of gold is deposited onto a conductive object using an electric current in a gold-containing electrolyte bath. This method allows for precise control over the thickness and uniformity of the gold layer and is commonly employed for jewelry, electronics, and decorative items.