How to Prepare Classic Gilder's BoleGilding Supplies

To make classic gilder’s bole, also known as poliment, for traditional water gilding, mix refined gilding clay with diluted rabbit skin glue (RSG) size. This creates a smooth, flexible base so the gesso you burnish can achieve a mirror-like shine.

Equipment and Ingredients

Wet bole paste or dry poliment (traditionally red, yellow, or black).
Pre-made rabbit skin glue (RSG) size.
Distilled water (for diluting).
Double boiler.
Small glass or porcelain bowl.
Fine sieve or clean nylon tights for straining.

Preparing the gilder’s bole

Dilute the Glue Size: Gently reheat the pre-made rabbit skin glue size in a double boiler. Avoid boiling it, since that can damage its adhesive properties. Add warm distilled water to weaken it, usually to a 15:1 water-to-glue ratio or until it looks like single cream.
Blend the Bole: Put some wet bole paste in your mixing bowl. Slowly add the warm, diluted glue size while stirring constantly to keep air bubbles out.
Check the Consistency: Keep adding the warm glue size until the mixture is as thick as single cream. It should pour smoothly from a spoon, not too runny or too thick.
Strain the Mixture: Pour the mixed bole through clean nylon tights or a fine sieve into another clean container. This step removes any lumps, grit, or air bubbles that might spoil the final gold finish.
Warmth: Keep the bole warm while you apply it. If it gets too cool, the rabbit skin glue will set and become jelly-like.
Apply four to five thin coats over a prepared, sanded gesso surface with a soft, round brush. Let each coat dry completely before adding the next one.
Polishing: Once the last layer has dried for 24 hours, gently polish the bole with a hard-bristled brush or 4/0 steel wool. This will give you a smooth, shiny surface before you start gilding.

Available gilders bole:

Kolner Classic Poliment

Kolner Classic Poliment—also known as bole—is a clay-like substance. It serves as a base layer for the leaf gold when gilding poliment. It is applied to the prepared surface, which is usually Gesso. Gesso is a mixture of Gilder’s Whiting (chalk) and Rabbit Skin Glue. The poliment layer and the underlying layer of Gesso create a layer that permits the polishing of gold with agate burnishers. Poliment gilding can only be used on absorbing surfaces.

It is an unbound poliment (unprepared) and has to be prepared with rabbit skin glue before it can be applied. This poliment is already processed with water to a paste.

Kolner KGGG Sysem Fond

Discover the innovative Kölner KGGG System, a groundbreaking alternative to traditional water gilding that transforms your gilding experience. This modern method is built on three essential components: 1. Component 1: An effective impregnation agent (Sealer P, Sealer 123A); 2. Component 2: High-quality burnishing clay (Fond); and 3. Component 3: A premium size for water gilding (Colnasol). check out our guide on “How to Water Gild with the Kölner KGGG System Fond” for expert tips and techniques!