Houston · Artisanal gold leaf
Water-Gilded Gold Leaf Frames Handcrafted in Our Houston Studio
Meticulously gilded on-site by master craftsmen, our gold leaf frames are produced using traditional Renaissance water gilding methods. By combining gesso, clay bole, 12K to 22K genuine leaf, and hand-burnished finishing techniques, we create custom finishes and patinas that range from a brilliant luster to an antique character.
The process
The five-step Renaissance water gilding process.
Water gilding cannot be rushed and cannot be faked. Each frame passes through five stages, each done by hand at the bench — and each stage is visible in the finished surface if you know where to look.
Gesso Preparation
The joined hardwood frame is built up with eight to twelve layers of warm rabbit-skin glue and chalk gesso. Meticulous hand-sanding ensures each layer is as smooth as polished stone, enhancing carved details so they appear sharply defined beneath the gold layer.
Clay Bole Application
Delicate coats of colored clay — traditionally available in grey, black, terracotta red, or yellow — are brushed smoothly over the gesso ground. This underlying color glows through the finished leaf: red warms the gold tones, and grey cools the surface toward subtle moon gold undertones.
Laying the Leaf
Thinner than tissue paper, sheets of 12K to 22K gold are carefully floated onto the water-wetted clay base using a gilder's tip. The selected alloy and karat determine the final tone: 22K offers a warm, classic appearance, 18K yields a delicate lemon shade, and 12K white gold provides a near-silver brilliance.
Agate Burnishing
Once the surface has dried completely, the leaf is rubbed by hand using a highly polished agate stone. Water gilding remains the only method capable of achieving a mirror-like luster, establishing it as the unexcelled museum standard for more than four centuries.
Toning & Patina
In the final phase, the surface is hand-rubbed, glazed, or antiqued. It can be left highly brilliant for a jewel-box effect, gently distressed to reveal the underlying bole along high points, or aged thoroughly to complement historic period paintings.
Gilded profiles
Six gilded profiles, one studio.
Carved Corner
Hand-carved foliate or geometric ornamentation at corners, water-gilded and selectively burnished for emphasis.
Flat Top
A clean, unadorned profile offering a sophisticated aesthetic for mid-century and contemporary masterworks.
Flat Top Step
A multi-level profile featuring refined architectural shadow lines across a water-gilded surface.
Full Carved
Traditional Renaissance-style continuous ornamentation hand-carved along the entire profile moulding.
Gilded Lip
A subtle, elegant gold accent applied to the inner sight edge of ebonized or natural hardwood frames.
Additional Bespoke Designs
Rippled, reeded, and scalloped profiles custom-engineered to complement unique artistic requirements.
Selected work
Gold, in service of the art.
Commonly asked questions
Gilding, answered.
How does water gilding compare to oil gilding?
Traditional water gilding involves applying gold leaf over a prepared base of rabbit-skin gesso and clay bole, activated by water and hide glue. While more labor-intensive and demanding, it is the only technique capable of achieving a brilliant, mirror-like agate polish. Conversely, oil gilding secures the leaf using an oil-based size; though highly durable for exterior architectural installations, its finish remains fixed and cannot be burnished. Our workshop specializes in authentic water gilding to provide museum-grade framing solutions for fine art.
Which gold karats are available?
We offer gilding utilizing genuine gold leaf ranging from 12K to 22K. The higher karats present a rich, warm radiance, whereas the lower karats are alloyed with silver to deliver cooler, muted tones — our 12K white gold options provide a near-silver appearance. To accommodate diverse artistic needs, we also offer cool and luminous alternatives like moon gold.
What are the faint seams or “lap marks” visible on gilded frames?
As each sheet of gold leaf is applied, its edges overlap those of the previous sheet, creating a thin double layer of gold along the seams. When the frame is rubbed and finished, these “lap marks” are revealed. Far from being considered a flaw, lap marks are a hallmark of traditional water gilding — their effect can be minimized or enhanced with a lighter or heavier rub, according to preference.
Are gold frames appropriate for modern or contemporary art pieces?
Certainly. A clean, unembellished flat-top water-gilded frame provides a remarkably sophisticated presentation for contemporary works on paper and modern paintings. Our studio frequently designs minimalist flat-top gilded borders for abstract compositions, Matisse cut-outs, and significant mid-century artworks.
Want the full story? Read What is water gilding? in the Journal.
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