Gold leaf gilding using oil and water methods

Traditional gold leaf gilding tools

The process of gilding is a decorative technique of applying extremely thin (about 0.1micron) sheets of beaten gold (gold leaf) to a surface. We use the traditional  water gilding and oil gilding techniques.

The following video is of a clock we recently restored. This was a long term job and serves as a good example to demonstrate our gilding skills.

If you are interested in gilding, would like to learn how to gild, we also offer classes and educational material here.

A recently restored clock case by ARC Services

After restoring the above clock case, we hand carved the missing figures and missing enrichments out of wax, then cast them in bronze. They were then gilded with 24 carat gold leaf on an oil size base.