Methodology

Restoration methodology

Gilding

Gilding in restoration

The art of gilding and the profession of gilder-restorer associated with it today,

are traditional in nature.

This art uses the techniques of master gilders of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Technological advances and novelties that have emerged in recent years allow

to undertakethe restoration with all the current guarantees.

Our overarching goal is to approach conservation and restoration work

in order to preserve the "acquis".

THE CONDITION STATEMENT

"One of the restorer's missions is to establish a condition report on the work before any intervention.

This file will indicate the state of the general structure and a detailed description of the part, as well as all the alterations observed when it entered the workshop.

The technician in charge of restoration, through his knowledge, experience and

his know-how will be able to properly assess the work to be done after a precise analysis and

inform the custodian, the client or the company.

All the different phases that will have to be carried out later will be the subject of a study.

For this we will carry out tests, surveys, to better understand the possible difficulties thus revealed.

Explicit photos will be taken and added to the condition report to precisely corroborate the proposals for necessary interventions. The restorer's analysis and his proposals aim to stop the process of degradation of the work while preserving the achievements as much as possible, that is to say by considering conservation work. The condition report will then be sent to the curator (responsible and guarantor of the work over time). The latter takes the information, analyzes their validity and makes the final decisions after discussing it with the restaurateur. It is a moment of exchange where everyone brings their knowledge and knowledge to achieve the best possible restoration. "

(extract "Art and techniques of gilding at Versailles")

THE DIFFERENT STEPS :

Cleaning
collages
Gluing
Filling
Softening
The work of the primers and the repair
Sanding
yellowing
Trim
The bitch
gilding
The melting of cups
Burnishing
matting
The patina

contemporary gilding

Generally the gilding is done by mixing.

This mordant made up of oil and varnish is used to create decorations and to metallize large surfaces (gold, copper, aluminium, platinum, palladium).

The chosen metal will be in harmony with the design of the room and the desired atmosphere

by the client or the interior designer.

The preparation of the backgrounds being essential, we attach great importance to carrying out the preparatory layers, the sanding and the appropriate background painting ourselves to achieve a top-of-the-range decor.