The art of water gilding is a traditional and centuries old technique and today, as in past times, still a long and effortful process to which the artisans at Giner devote all their expertise and experience. To develop such expertise and completely master the water gilding technique, it requires an apprenticeship of at least five years.

And the result is unrivalled. But only by working conscientiously and dedicating the necessary time and patience, all the beauty can be extracted from the noble materials.

A water gilded moulding can be easily recognized by its transparency, its shininess and the characteristical overlaps of the gold/silver leaves, which converts every moulding into a unique piece. The results have not been obtained by any modern machine maufacturing method to this day.

The ”Ayous”-wood, that our mouldings are made of, is dehumidified and treated to avoid later twisting. Also it is treated against insect infestation.
After milling the profile, about seven coats of gesso -a mixture of clay, water and rabit skin glue- are applied to the moulding, with what it is now ready for the water gilding.

The individual steps of this process are as follows:

To obtain a smooth surface, two or three coats of bol are applied. [1]

Bole, originally known under the name “Armenian bole”, is a slightly reddish substance, similar to refined clay, and especially intended for gilding.

After 24 hours of drying, the moulding is sanded in order to obtain a perfectly sleek surface.

Now, section by section, the moulding is moistened with a mixture of water and alcohol. [2]

The metal leaves are applied using cotton, a gilder´s tip or a marten hair brush, depending on whether sterling silver, metal or gold leaves is used. [3]

In case of sterling silver, also an acid is applied to enhance the overlaps of the leaves and to darken the silver.

Then the leaves are rubbed with steel wool until the underlying bole emerges again from behind. [4]

Next the moulding is pre-polished with alcohol and pumice and, to extract the maximum brightness from the leaves, the moulding is burnished with an agate stone. [5]

Finally, the moulding is varnished with shellac to provide a lasting shine, protect the moulding and prevent oxidation. [6]

Depending on the desired finish, the moulding may be artificially aged by applying a patina.