How To Prepare and Apply Clay Bole

Archive Online Zoom Class Recordings from July, 2025

Clay Bole, the silky smooth clay comprised of aluminum silicate and iron oxide and applied to the surface of the gilder’s gesso plays an integral role in Traditional Water Gilding. It often is red in color although a variety of color have historically been used. Bole provides a cushion over the underlying hard gesso and offers a sympathetic color under the extraordinarily thin gold leaf, affecting the overall tone of the gilding, from warm to cool.

Preparing Clay Bole properly is very important in how the final gilding appears. Too thick and unsightly brush marks will appear under the gold; over-polishing the Bole surface can result in poor adhesion between the bole and the gold. Learn of to make the 10% Gelatin Solution, hydrate the Clay, and combine them for an excellent burnish for your water gilding.

Join us for this special two-part Masterclass Archive Series as we take an in-depth look at:

• Preparing the 10% glue binder,

• Re-hydrating the clay bole for the proper consistency before combining it with the glue binder

• Mixing and straining the ingredients of glue, water, and clay

We will also discuss:

• The Choice of using either Granulated or Fine Ggranulated Rabbit Skin Glue (RSG) or Gelatin as a binder in the prepared Clay Bole and the differences between the three

• The difference between Dry Clay Bole, Wet Clay Bole, and the final Mixture of Bole and Glue for Gilding (these are all different!)

• Color choices of Bole for gilding, historical significance, and colors most suitable for various shades of gold leaf

• Brand Availability in the Marketplace (keeping up with the changes!)

Whether you’re currently studying the art of Water Gilding, an experienced Gilder or returning to the art, this special Masterclass on Clay Bole will serve as an important Course of Study in gaining a greater understanding of this important material used in gilding and developing the right touch for preparing and applying it for Panels, Frames, Furniture, Architectural Elements, and other raw wood or Plaster Objects. ~

During this Class a French Red Bole from LeFranc Charbonnel was used. In Session 2 the Bole was applied over a prepared Crackle Gesso Panel. The method of application is the same for standard or crackle gesso and can be adopted in a similar approach for any water gilded object including Frames, Furniture, and Architectural Elements.

Note: Any Question and Answer periods from these two previously recorded Online Zoom Class Sessions are included. The Archive Recordings remain viewable for 1 Full Year.

A Materials List and link to the Recipe that you can Download will be provided upon Registration. ~

CANCELLATION POLICY: Although No Refunds are available, a Full Credit to Any Future Available Class of equal or lesser value will be provided if you need to cancel. Or if you prefer, you may receive the full Recording Series from the class you joined or from a previously recorded series of your online class. Go Here to View the Complete Cancellation Policy.