by Janette Peel

Created on: April 05, 2009   Last Updated: May 10, 2012

Give plain picture frames and other small wooden accessories a new lease of life with a lustrous mock gilt finish, achieved by applying coats of colored metallic powder and wax.

A gilt finish adds a luxurious, glowing touch to items such as plain wooden picture frames, candlesticks or lamp bases. The traditional method of gilding uses gold leaf, but a less expensive and more convenient way is to use gilt powder and gilt wax or cream to add a colorful gleam. These materials go a long way, the technique isn't difficult and the results are extremely rewarding.

The simplest gilding method is to rub gold wax or cream over the surface of the object being gilded. If you prefer a more colorful finish, try rubbing on a colored metallic wax or cream. By combining these waxes with different colored metallic powders you can achieve a wonderful variety of shimmering effects.

Waxes and metallic powders are available from art shops, where you can also buy wax filler sticks and gilt wax crayons for restoring damaged gilded frames and touching up minor surface defects.

Using gilt powder

An effective way of achieving a gilt style finish is to use gilt powders. The surface is first brushed with gold size, a special kind of varnish to which the powder adheres. Gilt powder and colored wax can be combined to gild wooden picture frames, but the technique can be used on many other wood or glass accessories. Before you start, make sure the surface is free of dust and grease. Bare wood need s to be primed with knotting to provide a suitable base for the size.

1.
Preparing the frame: Spread sheets of newspaper to protect the work surface. Seal the frame with knotting and rub smooth with fine-grade sandpaper.

2.
Apply gold size: Using a clean dry paint brush, coat the prepared frame with gold size. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying times.

3.
Apply gilt powder: Pour a little gilt powder on to a saucer. When the gold size is tacky, wrap a small piece of velvet or chamois leather around your index finger and use it to dab gilt powder on to the surface of the frame. If the gold size becomes too dry for the powder to stick, breathe on it to make it tacky again. Cover the whole frame in this way, making sure that you work the powder into the molding. Leave the frame to dry overnight.

4. Fixing the gilt powder: Spray on a coat of clear varnish to fix the gilt powder. Allow it to dry.

5. Applying accent color: Using your finger or a soft cloth, rub on colored metallic wax to the raised part of the frame surfaces. Apply a thin layer for a light color; for a stronger hue apply the wax more densely. When the frame is evenly coated, use a clean soft cloth to buff up a shine, leaving gold in the grooves of the molding.

Antique effects

For an aged appearance, gilt powder is applied over matt emulsion pain. As the powder does not cover the paint work completely, the color underneath shows through giving the item a timeworn appearance.
Use dark brown or dark red paint for a traditional effect. The antique look can be exaggerated by rubbing away more of the gilt finish with fine wire wool.

1.
Painting the wood: Prepare bare wood for painting, and then apply one or two coats of matt emulsion, allowing each coat to dry.

2.
Gilding the surface: Apply gold size, gilt powder and spray-on varnish to the painted wood as described in steps 1-4 of using gilt powder.

3.
Distressing the surface: Rub a small piece of fine wire wool over the surface to remove some of the gilt finish. When you are satisfied with the effect wipe away any dust with a damp cloth. Spray on another coat or varnish to protect the surface and allow to dry.

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