Texture

In mentioning texture, I don't mean textured glass. Rather I'm discussing a textural finish in the gilding itself. A gilt finish is normally intended to be smooth and blemish free. Sometimes a bit of texture adds additional interest.

The basic concept is to use gold size or varnish which is applied or worked in some way to achieve a texture. This is allowed to dry then backed with water gilding.

You can use a variety of application techniques such as sponge or plastic bag. Lightly dabbing varnish/gold size on with a plastic bag and then water gilding creates a pleasing broken finish.

There are several methods all with a different appearance and many variations according to your own particular style.

Another is to apply the matt and then work it with a tool for the texture. I have marked in lines and patterns with a point and worked the drying varnish with bags, rags and stipples.

Strong textural effects can be acheived with Damar varnish. It is worked, allowed to dry to retain the texture and then water gilded. All these textural variations are suitable for the decorative centres of letters and some scroll and feature work.

above left: sponged 18ct
above right: bagged 23ct

lower left: bagged palladium
lower right: applications of different metals, all sponged.