Here's a list of gilding supplies and their uses for various materials:
**Gold Gilding Supplies:**
1. **Gold Leaf**: Thin sheets of gold beaten into very thin leaves for application on various surfaces.
2. **Gilding Adhesive** (e.g., gesso, sizing, or animal glue): Used to attach gold leaf to the material being gilded.
3. **Gold Size** (gilding solution): A liquid solution containing gum arabic and water that helps the gold leaf adhere to the surface.
4. **Gilding Brush**: A soft-bristled brush used to apply gilding adhesive and gold leaf.
5. **Gilding Knife** (e.g., gilding tool or scraper): A tool used to smooth and shape the gold leaf.
6. **Gilding Paste** (e.g., gold paste or oil gilding): A mixture of gold powder, oil, and binder used for gilding surfaces with texture.
**Silver Gilding Supplies:**
1. **Silver Leaf**: Thin sheets of silver beaten into very thin leaves for application on various surfaces.
2. **Gilding Adhesive** (e.g., gesso, sizing, or animal glue): Used to attach silver leaf to the material being gilded.
3. **Silver Size** (gilding solution): A liquid solution containing gum arabic and water that helps the silver leaf adhere to the surface.
4. **Gilding Brush**: A soft-bristled brush used to apply gilding adhesive and silver leaf.
5. **Gilding Knife** (e.g., gilding tool or scraper): A tool used to smooth and shape the silver leaf.
6. **Silver Paste** (e.g., silver paste or oil gilding): A mixture of silver powder, oil, and binder used for gilding surfaces with texture.
**Other Gilding Materials:**
1. **Copper Leaf**: Thin sheets of copper beaten into very thin leaves for application on various surfaces.
2. **Tin Leaf**: Thin sheets of tin beaten into very thin leaves for application on various surfaces.
3. **Brass Gilding**: Involves gilding surfaces with a layer of brass, then applying a second layer of gold or other metals.
4. **Embossed Gilding**: A technique used to create intricate designs and patterns on the surface of the material being gilded.
**Gilding Materials for Various Surfaces:**
1. **Wood**: Typically gilded using gesso or animal glue as adhesive.
2. **Leather**: Typically gilded using a leather gilding adhesive or using gold or silver leaf with a specialized adhesive.
3. **Glass**: Typically gilded using a glass gilding adhesive or using gold or silver leaf with a specialized adhesive.
4. **Metal**: Typically gilded using a primer or etching solution to prepare the surface, then applying gold or silver leaf with a specialized adhesive.
5. **Plaster**: Typically gilded using gesso or a plaster gilding adhesive.
6. **Synthetic Materials**: Can be gilded using a variety of adhesives and techniques, depending on the specific material.
**Safety Precautions:**
1. Wear protective gear (i.e., gloves, mask, and eye protection) when working with gilding supplies.
2. Handle gilding supplies in a well-ventilated area.
3. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and application of gilding supplies.
**Tips and Tricks:**
1. Work in a dust-free environment to minimize the risk of dust contamination.
2. Use a high-quality gilding brush to ensure smooth and even application of gilding adhesive and gold leaf.
3. Apply gilding adhesive sparingly to avoid creating lumps or bubbles.
4. Use a gilding knife or scraper to smooth and shape the gold leaf or silver leaf.
5. Allow the gilded surface to dry completely before handling or applying a sealant.