There are two main types of gilding - oil and water gilding. The names indicate the method by which the metal leaf is applied to the surface.

The oldest and most beautiful method of applying gold leaf, is that of water gilding. It is an art form as much as it is a process. Leafed only by hand, water gilding produces a luster and richness unmatched by any other method of gilding. Click here for a view of the 12-step process.

Oil gilding is the easier method for applying gold leaf. The advantage of oil gilding is that it can be applied to any smooth non-porous surface. The disadvantage is that it cannot be highly polished.