Gilding is the term used to describe the process of applying platinum, gold or silver leaf to a pre-prepared substrate, usually wood, metal, plaster or gesso.

Over the years, gilding can become scratched, worn and covered by dust and other accretions and may require – or benefit from – our expert gilding services.

Our specialist conservators clean, restore and gild a wide range of antique, modern and contemporary pieces including furniture, objects, mirror frames and picture frames; as well as providing world class gilding services for historic and luxury interiors. We are preferred choice of prestigious galleries and art dealers, leading interior designers, property managers of historic and listed buildings, and museum professionals.

Gilding services include water gilding, oil gilding and acrylic gilding using the full spectrum of precious metals, as well as faux gold leaf and faux silver leaf. Our gilding services also include verre eglomisé, the highly skilled process of decorating gilded glass.

Depending on the age of the piece and the wishes of our client, gilding can be toned to seamlessly replicate an aged gilded finish, as well as lacquered to best protect it.

Why Use The Art Rescue Specialist Gilding Services?

Whether you need to have a precious work of art, piece of furniture, object or interior gilded, The Art Rescue should be your first choice, because:

The training and skill set of our gilders is of the highest standards. Unlike other gilding firms, we only employ qualified fine art conservators meaning that the quality of our work and attention to detail is unmatched.

Our professionalism is second to none. From the first phone call to our friendly and helpful client services team, to the calm expertise of our conservators carrying out the work, every single detail of your project, no matter how seemingly small, is important to us.

If gilding forms just one part of a large restoration project, our comprehensive restoration services to wood, metal, stone, ceramics, glass and fine art and furniture means that we can take on many other elements of the work, saving you money and time.

Gilded picture frames usually either consist of a carved wood frame, or a simpler wood frame which has had ornately moulded plaster applied to it. In both cases, these scrolling elements are vulnerable to damage or loss as temperature and humidity levels in a room change.

Where gilded elements are missing or irreparable, our specialist furniture restorers can hand carve a precise replica in an appropriate wood, or our gilding department can cast precise plaster replicas as part of the treatment.

Depending on the age of the piece, and the wishes of the client, our gilding can be toned in or aged to replica the appearance of antique gilding, or to seamlessly match extant original sections of gilding.

The Art Rescue’s foremost specialist company in the revival and restoration of heritage and luxury interiors, including gilded detail.

We work with owners and leading interior designers on ambitious gilding projects for prime residential interiors, stately homes, private members clubs, hotels and restaurants.

Our interior gilding services include the application of precious metal leaf to ceiling and wall surfaces, furniture and fine art objects, outside statuary and architectural features.

Unlike other specialist decorative firms, every member of The Art Rescue’s team is a qualified fine art conservator, guaranteeing the highest level of skill and experience, and outstanding end results on the most challenging projects.

We have been reviving important interiors for a years and our clients know they can rely on us to meet, and frequently exceed, even the highest expectations on projects where nothing less than perfection is good enough.