Gilding
Gilding is the art of applying a thin layer of gold or other precious metals to surfaces like furniture, picture frames, or decorative objects. It's a highly specialized skill in furniture restoration and antique conservation where craftspeople use various techniques to make surfaces appear as if they're made of solid gold. This process can include water gilding (traditional method using water-based adhesive) or oil gilding (using oil-based adhesive). Similar terms include gold leafing or metal leafing. These techniques are essential in high-end furniture restoration, museum conservation, and luxury interior design work.
Examples in Resumes
Restored 18th-century frames using traditional Gilding and Gold Leaf techniques
Specialized in water Gilding for luxury furniture restoration projects
Applied Gilding techniques to restore antique mirror frames and architectural elements
Typical job title: "Gilders"
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Where to Find Gilders
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Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you approach gilding a complex carved surface with both burnished and matte areas?
Expected Answer: A senior gilder should explain the process of preparing the surface, applying different types of size (adhesive), handling both water and oil gilding techniques, and achieving different finishes. They should also mention how to handle delicate carved details.
Q: What considerations do you take when restoring gilded surfaces in historically significant pieces?
Expected Answer: Should discuss assessment of original materials, documentation procedures, reversibility of treatments, and choosing appropriate restoration methods that preserve historical integrity while meeting conservation standards.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the different types of gold leaf and when would you use each?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain differences between various karats of gold leaf, composition gold, and when to use transfer versus loose leaf, considering factors like project budget and intended finish.
Q: How do you prepare a surface for water gilding?
Expected Answer: Should describe the complete preparation process including cleaning, gesso application, bole layers, and surface smoothing, explaining why each step is important.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic tools are needed for gilding and how are they used?
Expected Answer: Should identify essential tools like gilder's tip, cushion, knife, and brushes, and explain their basic uses in the gilding process.
Q: What are the main differences between water gilding and oil gilding?
Expected Answer: Should explain that water gilding allows burnishing for a high shine but is more complex, while oil gilding is simpler but cannot be burnished to the same degree.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic surface preparation
- Simple oil gilding techniques
- Understanding of basic tools and materials
- Ability to apply gold leaf to flat surfaces
Mid (2-5 years)
- Water gilding techniques
- Surface repair and preparation
- Pattern work and basic carved surfaces
- Knowledge of different gold leaf types
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex restoration projects
- Traditional and modern techniques
- Training and supervision abilities
- Historical conservation expertise
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of different gold leaf types and their applications
- Lack of understanding about surface preparation
- No experience with traditional gilding techniques
- Poor awareness of conservation ethics and standards
Related Terms
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