Gilding Services
Masterful Gilding for Enduring Elegance
Our seasoned artisans bring this storied legacy to life, combining time-honored techniques with modern innovation. Drawing inspiration from over 4,000 years of gilding history, from the early applications of gold leaf in Northern Africa to the exquisite gilt works of 18th century France, they meticulously apply radiant gold leaf with precision and care. By utilizing only the finest materials, we ensure that each gilded piece retains its unique elegance and timeless value. Trust us to elevate your treasures to unparalleled brilliance, preserving their historical significance and aesthetic beauty.
A few of gilding services we provide
Architectural Gilding
Furniture Gilding
Frame Gilding
Book Gilding
Sculptural Gilding
Ecclesiastical Gilding
Signage Gilding
Interior Gilding
Jewelry Gilding
Cermaic Gilding
Instrument Gilding
Restoration Gilding
Welcome to Our Shop
Maison Robert Gilding
Common Gilding Scenarios
Gilding, an art that spans centuries, is an intricate process that requires both historical knowledge and modern precision. Our artisans at Maison Robert bring a deep understanding of this storied craft, coupled with an unwavering dedication to perfection. Over time, even the most beautifully gilded items can show signs of wear. Here are some common issues and our expert solutions:
Common Restorative Issues and Repairs for Gilded Items
Surface Wear and Tear
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Fading and Tarnishing: Exposure to light, air, and handling can cause gold leaf to lose its luster. Restoration often involves careful cleaning and application of a protective varnish or, if necessary, re-gilding.
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Chipping and Peeling: Environmental factors and age can cause gold leaf to chip or peel. Our experts meticulously clean and reapply gold leaf to affected areas, ensuring a seamless finish.
Structural Issues
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Loose Substrate: The surface to which gold leaf is applied (often wood, metal, or plaster) can sometimes become loose or damaged. We secure and stabilize the substrate to ensure the longevity of the gilding.
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Cracks and Breaks: Structural damage to the underlying material can affect the gilded surface. We perform detailed repairs to the substrate before reapplying gold leaf, maintaining both structural integrity and aesthetic beauty.
Decorative Elements
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Detail Erosion: Fine details in gilded decorations can erode over time, losing their definition. Our artisans expertly restore these intricate elements, bringing them back to their original splendor.
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Missing Pieces: In cases where decorative elements are missing, we carefully recreate these pieces using traditional methods, ensuring an authentic restoration.
Historical Preservation
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Authentic Restoration: We use only the finest materials and time-honored techniques to ensure that each restoration respects the piece’s historical significance. Our goal is to maintain the item’s original character while enhancing its visual appeal.
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Documentation and Provenance: Every project we undertake is documented meticulously. We provide detailed records of our restoration processes, preserving the provenance and value of each piece.
Cosmetic Enhancements
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Color Matching: Achieving a perfect match with the existing gilding requires a keen eye and expert skill. We ensure that new gold leaf blends seamlessly with the old, creating a harmonious and visually stunning result.
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Protective Coatings: To prolong the beauty and durability of gilded items, we apply specialized protective coatings that shield against environmental damage and wear.
Gilding types
Gilding is a versatile art form that employs a variety of materials to achieve different aesthetic effects. Here are some of the most common types and materials used in gilding:
Gold Leaf Gilding
18K Gold Leaf: Contains 75% gold, providing a rich and warm tone. Ideal for indoor applications with a more subtle luster.
22K Gold Leaf: Composed of 91.6% gold, this leaf offers a deep, vibrant gold color, suitable for both interior and exterior uses.
23.5K Gold Leaf: Almost pure gold, this leaf has a brilliant, rich hue, making it perfect for high-quality restoration and luxury applications.
24K Gold Leaf: The purest form of gold leaf, 24K offers unmatched brightness and opulence, often used for fine art and prestigious projects.
Silver Leaf Gilding
Pure Silver Leaf: Used for a stunning, reflective finish. Often applied in interior design, decorative accents, and restoration projects.
Composition Silver Leaf: A blend of silver and other metals, offering a similar aesthetic at a lower cost. Suitable for less formal applications.
Synthetic Leaf Gilding
Imitation Gold Leaf: Also known as Dutch metal, this alloy of copper and zinc mimics the appearance of gold at a more affordable price. Best for decorative projects and non-heritage items.
Imitation Silver Leaf: Made from aluminum, this leaf offers a cost-effective alternative to real silver, ideal for decorative accents and less critical restorations.
Metallic Leaf Gilding
Copper Leaf: Provides a warm, reddish-gold finish. Used for decorative projects and artistic applications where a unique look is desired.
Brass Leaf: Combines the look of gold and silver, offering a distinctive yellow-gold appearance. Suitable for various decorative purposes.
Specialty Leaf Gilding
Palladium Leaf: An alternative to silver leaf, palladium does not tarnish, making it ideal for outdoor and high-humidity environments.
Variegated Leaf: Created by applying heat and chemicals to imitation gold leaf, producing a spectrum of colors and patterns. Used for unique decorative effects.
Remember: This list of gilding services is not exhaustive. If you have any concerns about the condition or appearance of your gilded items, don’t hesitate to contact us through the form below for an evaluation and a free restoration quote. We are dedicated to reviving and preserving the beauty of your treasured pieces.
How It Works
Repair & Restoration
Tell us about what you have, what your requirements are, or vision is for that piece, and we’ll take it from there.
Need A Quote?
Get In Touch
01
Contact Us For Quote
Reach out via the “start here” link, or call directly if you prefer to. We’ll assess time & cost and send a quote to you.
02
Schedule A Pickup or Dropoff
Once the quote has been agreed to, we will arrange a time for you to drop off (no charge), or to pick up (small fee) your item. We also offer onsite repairs in some cases.
03
Project Complete
We will notify you by email/text that you item is complete, along with an online payment link. If we are dropping off, we will work with you to choose a suitable time for you to receive your item.
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pres·er·va·tion
“Preservation transcends mere historical custodianship; it’s the silent keeper of our cultural dawn..”
Restore
The goal of vintage restoration is to preserve the original character and integrity of the item. This means using materials and techniques that are as close to the original as possible. Vintage restorers also take care to preserve any unique features or patina that the item may have developed over time.
Refinish
At Maison Robert, we believe that vintage items are treasures that should be cherished. That’s why we take the utmost care in refinishing our vintage pieces, using only the highest quality materials and techniques.
We understand that every vintage item is unique, and we work to preserve its original character and integrity while also improving its appearance and functionality.
Repair
We believe that vintage items have unique value, have a history and character that cannot be replicated, and that should be preserved.
Vintage items are often made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, and they can last for many many years if they are properly cared for. They made it this far. We also believe that preservation is a way we can show our respect for the past, pay homage, and contribute to creating a more sustainable future.
