Gilding

Gilding is one of the most striking and ancient techniques of decorative art. It is used to give objects luxury and shine. The essence of the process is applying a very thin layer of gold to the surface, often only a few micrometers thick. This could be sheets of gold leaf or dissolved metal salts. Such coatings are applied to wood, plaster, silver, porcelain, or even leather.

There are several methods of gilding: fire gilding (with mercury amalgam), cold gilding (mechanical gluing of sheets), and electrochemical (galvanic deposition). Each had its heyday: for example, amalgam gilding was widely used in France in the 18th century for furniture and frames.

Interestingly, craftsmen could hide the secrets of their gilding by adding a drop of wine or honey to the glue, considering it a "signature." Today, gilding is used carefully: not for the sake of wealth