Gold Leafing | Antique Gilded Mirror

This large antique mirror was originally gilded but later in its life painted over and was left as a drab and dull brown color. What we wanted to do was get this piece back to its original shine and bring back some of the life that had been covered up.
First thing was to prepare the surface, clean it up, and remove any paint that could be removed. Then we applied the adhesive, or gold size. The size is typically a thin layer of glue or varnish that becomes sticky when it dries. It serves as the bonding agent for the gold leaf. The gold leaf was then gently placed onto the adhesive-covered surface and carefully smoothed down. The leaf adhered to the surface due to the tackiness of the size. Once that was dry, we added a toned glaze to help reduce the brightness and give it a more "aged" look. Finally, to protect the gold leaf and enhance its durability, a clear topcoat or sealer was applied over the surface.
Gold leafing requires skill, precision, and patience, as the delicate nature of the gold leaf requires careful handling to avoid tearing or damaging it. The process can be time-consuming, but the end result is a stunning, richly textured surface that adds a touch of elegance and opulence to any object or artwork.
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