Gold leaf restoration

 Among the decorating trends of recent years is gold . In brass, metal, or gilded wood, gold furniture, lighting, and decorative objects bring elegance and brilliance to any interior. Those who embrace this warm and refined hue, once a symbol of immortality and the divine, are embracing large-scale gold furniture and . A prime example is the mirror, whether freestanding or wall-mounted. Large gold mirrors in the Louis XVI or Napoleon III styles are rare and highly sought-after pieces for decorating a bedroom or living room, as are tables, consoles , and display cabinets in gilded wood. In the living room, a gilded bronze chandelier or a pair of candlesticks , reminiscent of another era, will subtly enhance the interior .

Very large Louis XVI style mirror

Antique gilded furniture and contemporary decor

Antique furniture , steeped in history, brings character and a touch of originality to contemporary or Scandinavian interiors. Most of our gilded furniture are made of wood covered with gold leaf and are restored by our team in our Montesson workshop. Enthusiasts of antique furniture and the color gold can find unique, all-gold pieces on our website.

Important giltwood console table, 18th century

Baroque twisted columns

Louis XV style giltwood jardinière

The art of tempera gilding

Whether inherited or found in a flea market or antique shop, antique gilded furniture combines luxury, refinement, and craftsmanship. Gilding with gold leaf , practiced by gilders since antiquity, is a meticulous and very delicate technique that requires precise and measured movements.

1. The first step is to prepare the surface by cleaning it to reveal any original gilding that can be preserved. If the surface has gaps, these must be restored using the tempera gilding technique.

2. Once the surface is cleaned, the priming process involves applying several coats of " white " (a mixture of whiting and rabbit-skin glue) before sanding everything to polish the primer and even out the surfaces. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove and re-sculpt certain decorative elements.

3. The " application of the burnishing agent " involves covering the gesso with a thin layer of " Armenian bole " to facilitate the adhesion of the gold leaf and to obtain a high-quality burnishing. The burnishing agent should then be polished using a stiff boar bristle brush, called a "burnishing dog ".

4. Applying gold leaf using the tempera technique is a step that requires great care. First, the gold leaf is gently placed on a cushion, then the surface to be gilded is moistened so that the previously cut pieces of gold leaf can be applied using a gilding palette.

5. The "
burnishing " process involves polishing the gold leaf with an agate stone to give it shine and brilliance. Finally, the gilded areas are matted to create a uniform finish.

We invite you to discover, through images, the stages of the gold leaf restoration...