Mordant Gilding: Oil Gilding and Water Based Mediums

Oil and Water-Based Mordants

Mordant Gilding is a term used in gilding that relates to the use of an adhesive medium and considered an alternative method to Traditional Water Gilding. There are various mordants that we can choose from when gilding although Oil Size for Oil Gilding and Water Based Adhesive (a white acrylic emulsion) are two popular mediums in contemporary gilding alongside Instacoll and Miniatum Ink by Kölner. Oil size is used for a wide-range non-porous objects and surffaces from the smallest of picture frames to the tops of the tallest of buildings and Domes while acrylic emulsion is often found on Interior Walls and artist’s canvases.

Ancient Mordants

Glair, garlic juice (Ilinocopia), and gum ammoniac are prepared as aqueous mordants, three very old bonding mediums used for adhering gold leaf to such objects as paper, glass, and statuary. Glair, discussed by Ceninni in his 15th c Treatise Il Libro Dell’Arte, is beaten egg white mixed with a little water and allowed to sit out overnight and the froth removed the next day. It provides a strong bond and when weakened with additional distilled water it’s brilliancy on glass can rival that of the more often-used gelatin size.

Gum Ammoniac, a gum resin that exudes from the stem of the herb Dorema Ammoniacum can be found in Iran and Northern Africa. It is used by Calligraphers and historically goes back centuries for use in Manuscript Illumination. Through my own exploration I have found it also to be a candidate for gilding on glass to achieve a bright gild.

For those seeking ways to gild on leather, glair has been the traditional medium for bookbinding and bookedge gilding. However, acrylic emulsion is also a quick and decoratively successful way of gilding the smooth side of leather which, showing through my recent testing, to be a very flexible mordant for leather.

For those interested in studying mordant gilding including oil gilding and water-based adhesive (acrylic emulsion) Charles Douglas Gilding Studio offers both an In-Person and Online class titled: Gilding for Works of Art…a Study for Fine Artists as well as a new four-part Series: Gilding…For Absolute Beginners. Visit the website page Gilding Class Information for more detail or go to the Book A Gilding Class for an-up-to date class schedule and Registration.