It is a process of applying thin sheets of gold or other precious metals to surfaces to decorate and beautify a space. This technique, also known as gilding, has been used for centuries in interior decorating to add a touch of luxury and elegance to furniture, moldings, picture frames, decorative accessories and other items.
Gilding can be done in several ways, including:
Gilding with gold sheets: In this method, sheets of pure gold or gold alloys are applied to a surface previously prepared with a special adhesive, such as oxbow or shellac. Once the adhesive is ready, the gold foils are carefully applied to the surface and polished to achieve a smooth, shiny finish.
Gilding with imitation metal sheets: For more economical projects, imitation metal sheets, such as brass, aluminum or copper, can be used instead of genuine gold sheets. These foils are applied similarly to gold leaf gilding, but the end result mimics the look of gold at a lower cost.
Powder or liquid gilding: In some cases, gilding can be done using metal powder or liquid metal paints. These materials are applied to a surface with a suitable adhesive and then polished to obtain the desired effect.
Gilding is commonly used in a variety of interior design styles, from classical and baroque to contemporary and glamorous. Can be used to highlight architectural details such as crown molding, columns and cornices, or to add a touch of sparkle to furniture and decorative accessories