Williamsburg Art Conservation Inc.

Conservation of gilded objects is closely related to wooden artifacts conservation since gold leaf is often laid over wooden substrates, but gilded surfaces offer their own unique challenges as well. Flaking and loose gesso, missing or damaged composition ornament and unsightly overpainting with gold paints are common ailments of gilded objects and all have distinct remedies. In addition to structural problems related to the wood substrate, choosing the proper gilding techniques are as important as the knowledge of historic and appropriate gilding materials.