Gilder’s Whiting, Bologna Gesso, For Water Gilding

Gilder’s Whiting is a high-quality, fine white powder that is odourless and soluble in water. The chalk for gilding (often called “Bologna Gesso”) is obtained from the gypsum by thermal treatment at a controlled temperature.

You must apply 5-7 coats before you can start gilding. It is suitable for all kinds of surfaces, including wood, concrete, plaster, hardwood, and boards.

How to make gesso for water gilding

1. Mix rabbit skin glue with Gilder’s Whiting to prepare the gesso for application. The Gilder’s Whiting must be sieved to ensure it does not contain lumps or impurities. When adding the Gilder’s Whiting, the rabbit skin glue must be at about 50-55 degrees. Gently place a spoon of Gilder’s Whiting inside the sieve.
2. There is no proper ratio of Gilder’s Whiting to rabbit skin glue, but you should stop adding Gilder’s Whiting as soon as it is no longer incorporated with the rabbit skin glue; about 1 part prepared RSG to 1 part Gilder’s Whiting.
3. Now, stir the mix gently until the rabbit skin glue has the same consistency. Please do not shake it, as this will create air bubbles in the mix.
4. Always apply the gesso when warm, not hot or cold, 50-55 degrees.
5. Apply the gesso using Gilder’s brush for bole in several layers:
6. Five to seven layers for water-size gilding. Three layers for oil gilding.
7. After applying each layer, you must wait for the gesso to dry.
8. After drying, it must be sanded and polished.
9. Any leftovers from the gesso can be stored in the fridge for later use.

Gesso Making Tip: The best way to make or reheat gesso is to put the rabbit skin glue in a glass jar and place the jar in a pot with hot water. Keep the pot on a hot element from when you start making the gesso to when you finish applying it.

There is also a ready-made gesso/clay called KGGG-System Fond:

KGGG-System Fond Gilder’s Gesso/Bole is a one-layer gilder clay that replaces the traditional gilding system’s Gesso and Bole layers. Fond is a water-based burnishable gesso primer for water golding. Fond is suited for creating water-gilded and burnished frames, interior architectural elements, and furniture ornaments to achieve a traditional look with less effort.