GILDING: Using Dutch Metal

…more artistic musings

ANCIENT EGYPTIANS, GREEKS and ROMANS used thick gold leaf. Traces of it remain on the objects found are remarkably brilliant. But, doing a modern interpretation of this Ancient craft a substitute product is used on the carved picture frame called Schaibin, a Dutch metal imported from Italy.

ANCIENT DECORATIVE PRACTICES ARE STILL IN USE TODAY

July 14

I’ve previously employed both gold and silver leaf for decorative purposes. Specifically, I used a Dutch metal product called Schaibin from Italy for this project. This product is available through a distributor in New York, and its price fluctuates based on market conditions due to its weight-based pricing.

I chose to use Dutch metal because it’s a more cost-effective alternative to gold or silver leaf, especially for embellishing ceilings. In this project, I applied Schaibin to an intricately carved picture molding that measured approximately 5′ x 10′ x 6′ in size. The final step involved mounting a mirror within the gilded area.

All the coordination and arrangements for this project were conducted over the phone, marking my introduction to collaboration with a new designer in the Chicago area.

Gilding, Inverness IL

9:30 A.M. Day One

Only after the project area was accessed did we began to set-up equipment and organize needed supplies. We began by priming the carved picture molding using a medium grey latex primer covering the area 100%. After the primer dried two coats of a medium dark rich red-orange paint was applied, again covering the area 100%. I decided to let the painted molding dry overnight before the water size would be applied to the frame. Hurray! The full gallon of the grey primer that had spilt in the client’s driveway upon our arrival had cleaned up beautifully and left no tell-tale residue. Done for the day by 4 P.M.

9:30 A.M. Day Two

Only after checking the driveway to make sure that all paint had been completely removed was the carved molding painted with Aquasize. This is a water-based product by Rolco and sold only to the gilders for professional use.

ONLY AFTER the Aquasize dried clear was the Italian Dutch Metal (Schaibin) applied to the picture molding.

VARIOUS STEPS NEEDED TO COMPLETE APPLICATION

I worked taking care to apply the product to 95% of the area. Working in approximately 12-inch areas at a time, taking care to burnishing all the Dutch metal using a specialty brush designed especially for this purpose. Started on the right side of the frame, continuing left on both the top and bottom of the picture frame, working my way around the frame. While this technique gives high impact and often inspires oohs and aahs after it is completed, it is extremely important while working to keep the area neat at all times. It is necessary when working with this product to frequently stop to vacuum and clean up any loose Schaibin that is not attached to the Aquasize. Remember that these particles travel fast! Once application of the Schaibin was completed I applied a thin antique stain to the whole frame to remove the sharpness of the gold Schaibin; thus accentuating the intricate carving of the frame. Completed actual assignment by 4 p.m. but required an extra hour for clean up.