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About Joanna Scott
Expertise
I can answer questions on mural painting using both airbrush, traditional and Trompe L`oeil techniques, which trick the eye, and how to create a convincing Trompe L`oeil work on any surface.
I can also answer questions relating to the field of commercial art, particuarly illustration. How to approach clients who commission illustration, how to network and build a portfolio of work.
Technical questions on kitchen design and installation for the UK market is also an area of speciality.
Experience
Past/Present clients
Harrods textiles), Selfridges(textiles),Halcyon Days Mayfair Ltd(fine enamel box designs),Duxford Imperial War Museum(airbrush mural of aeroplanes)Just Kitchens W1(kitchen design), Furlong Homes(Trompe L'oeil window),Harman Kemp North American Ltd(caricature Christmas cards).
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You are here: Experts > Style > Decorative Arts > Decorative Arts > gilding metal sconces
Expert: Joanna Scott
Date: 5/2/2008
Subject: gilding metal sconces
Question
Hi Joanna,
I have a pair of vintage Italian candle sconces that I bought online. They are small but intricate, with a floral and vine design. They were sold as "gilt" but the finish looks distinctly like dull gold paint to me; it comes off on your finger with a good rub. Under the gold paint, the base metal is a silver tone.
How would you recommend refinishing these sconces to give a true gilt effect?
Thank you,
Melissa
Answer
Dear Melissa
There are two ways to approach this.
The first would be to use actual gold metal leaf - wafer thin sheets of real gold that you brush into place on the ornament. You can use various products called size or shellac to coat the item in first so its tacky and ready to take the fine leaf.
Real gold doesn't tarnish or have metallic dust particles rub off from its surface as with metallic paints. The downside to this is that it can be tricky to do if you are inexperienced.
The second option is to buy a gilding paint - which are normally made from a variety of metallic particles but not real gold. Paint the object with this and then varnish it to prevent metallic dust coming off when dry.
Hope that helps
Thanks
Joanna Scott
www.joanna-scott.webeden.co.uk
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