Talking about Gilding onto Oak.
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Talking about Gilding onto Oak.
This is an example of applying gilding onto raw oak. The practice was all the rage in Victorian times and especially popular with the Pre-Raphaelite artists. There are some beautiful examples in Tate Britain and many other municipal galleries.
The use of oak has become quite fashionable again and it's distinctive grain pattern lends itself to a variety of attractive finishes. Gilding is one where the materials cost can be multiplied several times in value.
And there's no messy gesso to grapple with.
So - TIP 1: Only try gilding onto a 'quarter sawn' face. That is where the medullary rays are showing.
Any other face will look horrible!
Tip 2: Only use a long drying OIL size for the gild and not one of the easy-gild water based sizes. A good finish will depend on getting a very thin
application onto the oak.
And finally, the example above was finished using all the steps shown on my own gilding course. And of course, other sources are available.
But if anyone wants to find out how to match the gilding to an antique frame, then I will be soon producing a gilding glaze that can be painted over new gilding and tones it to match up better with the framed artwork.
You're very welcome to PM me if you have any interest in this.
Affordable Gilding Course for Professional Framers-https://www.dermotmcardle.co.uk/
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