Tools Used for Applying Gold Leaf
2023-04-24

Tools Used for Applying Gold Leaf

    1) There are various methods for gilding with gold leaf, and it involves several specific tools, although gilding primarily relies on manual work. The following are some of these tools and equipment:  

2) A cushion and a special knife for cutting gold leaf.

3) A comb for handling and applying the gold leaf to the piece to be gilded. This comb acts like tweezers; it is used to lift and apply the leaf onto the surface to be gilded.

  4) A set of special gilding brushes, used for applying the gold leaf to the piece.

  5) A transparent adhesive specifically used for applying gold leaf which comes in various types such as rabbit skin glue( RSG), or gilding beads, or fish glue.

  6) A set of brushes used for spreading the adhesive on the surface before gilding.

7) Sandpapers of different grits, such as 120, 180, 320, and 500, to achieve a very smooth and fine surface.

  8) A burnishing tool known as the Agate Burnisher, used to burnish and smooth the gold leaf, transforming its surface into a glossy and radiant one.  

9) An acrylic adhesive with high adhesion and coverage, or alternatively, calcium sulfate plastic can be used after adding glue to it.  

10) A quantity of red oxide or colorant.

11) A varnish to coat the surface after gilding to preserve the gilding process.