22 Jul What is Gold Leaf Framing?
In our studio, we have ten walls with hundreds of moulding samples. On the front panel, you’ll see a display full of gorgeous gold leaf frames. Some are chunky and regal. Others are thin, dainty drawing-room frames. Finished-corner, hand-carved, historic reproductions–the craftsmanship is breathtaking. These pieces exude luxury and sophistication, and it is all because of gold leaf.
Gold leaf framing is a decorative technique where thin sheets of gold are applied directly to the moulding. The ancient Egyptians used gold leafing to embellish religious artifacts and royal tombs. The Greeks and Romans later adopted this craft, and gold leaf continued to be popular for centuries. Everything from furniture to small objects and manuscripts to paintings was decorated with gold leafing–including framing.
What makes gold leaf framing so unique? Let’s take a look.
The Gold Leaf Framing Process
In Antique American Frames, Wilner and Kaufman write, “Throughout history, gold leaf has been used to give items of value permanence and the aura of enhanced beauty. Because of its high malleability, gold could be pounded into ‘leaves’ so thin that they seem almost powderlike when touched.” They describe the process to make a gold-leaf frame in layers:
- First Layer: The wood for the frame.
- Second Layer: A thin layer of gesso or “the molded, plasterlike compo ornamentation with a layer of gesso over it.” This layer is also sanded.
- Third Layer: A bole application
- Fourth Layer: A gold leaf layer applied by water or oil gilding. Water gilding uses a mix of alcohol and glue to apply gold. In oil gilding, an oil base is applied to the bole with the gilding directly on top.
- Fifth Layer: A protective shellac or lacquer coating. (Note from Wilner and Kaufman: “It is this surface, not the gold leaf, that ‘turns’ or changes color. Over time it absorbs dirt and gradually assumes a warmer tone.”)
As a result of this hand-crafted process, no two frames are identical. In fact, this process can tell us a lot about the frame’s history, specifically in the third layer. In Looking at European Frames, Karraker describes “bole” as “a fine clay, aluminum silicate with ferric hydroxide, that is mixed with size and used to prepare a smooth surface on which to apply gold leaf.” If you look closely at a gold leaf frame, you’ll see a color showing through the gilding. Italian and French framers used red bole. German and British framers used gray or gray-blue. American framers used gray and blue in the 19th century and red in the 20th century. This can help identify where or when a frame was made.
There are also many types of gold that are used in gold leafing: twenty-four carats, eighteen carats, sixteen carats, white gold, and silver. Karraker describes how gold can be mixed with copper for reddish gold and how adding silver can make gold whiter. When reproducing a moulding, framers use different weights of gold to match historic processes.
If you like gold leaf framing, you can easily incorporate it into your frame as an accent or a full display. Some people like to show a hint of gold in the corner or on the edges of the frame. Others want a bright, bold gold to help their art shine in their home. Whatever your taste, we’re on board.
Gold Leaf Framing Today
We love a good gold leaf frame. Old or new, we appreciate them all. The finish reflects light into art, almost like a built-in picture light. It gives every piece of art a custom and high-end look. Gold leaf frames add value to art because of their quality and craftsmanship. In fact, many artists try to find cheaper frames that emulate a genuine gold leaf frame (to mixed results).
Most people are intimidated by gold leaf framing because it seems expensive. It can be. If you want to repair and restore a historic frame, that process can be costly. However, many art lovers find that new gold leaf frames are well within their budget. In the framing world, you can’t judge a frame by how it looks. Sometimes the fancy-looking frame is actually very affordable. It’s always worth exploring.
If you already have a gold leaf frame you want to clean or repair, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
- Save the pieces that fall off of the frame. Even if you think the piece is too small, save it. A professional will ask for all of the pieces to see if they can be salvaged and used during the restoration. They may not be able to reattach the broken bits, but they can use them to help reconstruct the design.
- Do not try to repair the frame yourself. Some people have tried to repair a frame themselves by gluing broken pieces back on the frame or touching up exposed spots with gold paint. Some have even gone so far as to repaint the entire frame, an action that makes a framer want to cry. Any do-it-yourself approach compromises the integrity of the frame and may be difficult–or impossible–to restore. It’s better to consult a professional before trying a repair yourself.
- Do not use any cleaners or water to clean the frame. You run the risk of destroying your frame. Gold leaf frames are durable because of their protective coating, but liquids and chemicals can remove or break down that layer. This exposes the gold to the elements and could tarnish or damage the metal. Use a dry cloth to lightly dust the moulding. If you feel your frame needs a deeper cleaning, consult a professional for a treatment plan and options.
Frames embellished with gold leaf are stunning. It’s that simple. If properly taken care of, these pieces last forever and retain their value. There are many types of frames that come in and out of style; however, gold leaf frames are classic and always impressive.
Learn more about custom framing in our “Guide to Custom Framing.”