Gilding on Glass
The use of
gold or silver leaf on glass goes back to early Roman times and was a popular technique used for Looking Glass Mirrors
during eighteenth and nineteenth century England .
Verre Eglomise, the practice of reverse gilding and etched painting on glass
incorporating gold and silver leaf, is the foundation for the gilded mirrors offered by Charles Douglas in his Seattle gilding
studio.
Each precious leaf is applied by hand and adhered to the back of glass with a gelatin and water solution.
When dry, the gold or silver leaf is very gently rubbed and sealed in black paint. The effect is mirror-like with the
lap lines between each leaf fully apparent.
For a distressed look (as shown in the above photograph) the strength
of the gelatin size is prepared slightly weak to allow the leaf to abrade when rubbed with cotton, revealing the black backup
paint when the mirror is viewed from the front. An umber-black tinted shellac speckled pattern may be applied before
the glass is gilded for additional effect .
All karats of gold and white gold as well as genuine silver leaf may be
used including 6k, 9k, 12k, and palladium being the most popular. All leaf is selected for its high quality and imported
from such countries as Italy, France, England, Germany, and Japan.Various glass thicknesses and optional beveled edges are
available, with quarter inch thick glass recommended for mirrors.
Call or email to further
discuss your gilded mirror options.
