Gilders Clay (bole), ready to use, Red, For Both Genuine and Imitation Gold Leaf

Gilder’s clay—also known as bole—is a clay-like substance. It serves as a base layer for the gold leaf. 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 gilder’s clay layer and the underlying layer of Gesso create a layer that permits the polishing of gold with agate burnishers. Gilder’s clay gilding can only be used on absorbing surfaces.

How to prepare Nazionale Gilder’s Clay:

1. Although it has already been processed with RSG, we recommend adding some Rabbit Skin Glue before use.
2. Depending on how thick or thin you want your clay to be, add four parts of this clay and one part of rabbit skin glue (liquid form).
3. The rabbit skin glue must be warm when added to the gilder’s clay. Mix gently, not creating air bubbles, until the texture is consistent, runny, and smooth.
4. For best results, apply two to three thin coats of this clay onto a perfectly smooth surface, such as Gesso.
5. After the gilder’s clay has dried, polish the surface with the Steel Wool Pad or  Fiber Cloth to a perfect state. At this point, your gilder’s clay must look clean, shiny, smooth, and dust-free.
6. Prepare the gold leaf water using the rabbit skin glue tablet or a pre-made Kolner Colnafix Gilder’s Size. This mixture will wet the clay surface so the gold leaf can stick.
7. Apply the gold leaf and let it dry for at least 5 hours.
8. Your gilded surface is now ready to be burnished with the Agate Burnisher Stone.
9. Buff any gold flakes on the surface with the Gilder’s Wool Brush.
10. Normally, 24k gold leaf does not need to be varnished to protect it from oxidization. However, for less than 24k, use Kolner Leaf Protect Varnish to seal the surface.