Water gilding is a process of gilding where gold leaf is applied to a surface using water and an adhesive. The IPA phonetic transcription of "water gilding" is /ˈwɔːtə ˈɡɪldɪŋ/. The first syllable of "water" is pronounced as "waw-tuh" with the vowel sound /ɔ:/ followed by an unstressed schwa /ə/. The second syllable of "gilding" is pronounced with a long "i" sound /aɪ/ followed by the unstressed syllable /dɪŋ/ with the "ng" sound /ŋ/. Overall, this technique requires precision in pronunciation as well as precision in application.
Water gilding is a traditional decorative technique used in the art of gilding, which involves applying a gold leaf or metallic coating onto a surface. Specifically, water gilding refers to the method of gilding where a gold leaf is applied onto a surface through the use of water-based adhesives.
The process of water gilding begins with preparing the surface to be gilded by ensuring it is smooth, clean, and adequately primed. An adhesive, commonly known as "gilding size," is then applied to the surface. The size is typically a mixture of water, hide glue, and other additives that create a tacky, water-soluble adhesive.
Once the adhesive is applied, the gold leaf is carefully positioned and pressed onto the surface using a soft brush or gilder's tip. The water in the adhesive helps to activate and bond the gold leaf to the surface. Any excess leaf is gently removed, leaving only the desired gold surface.
Water gilding is often preferred for intricate or delicate surfaces, such as frames, sculptures, or decorative objects, as it allows for more precise and controlled application. It also offers a smooth, reflective finish that enhances the brilliance and richness of the gold.
In addition to gold leaf, water gilding can also be done using other metallic materials, such as silver leaf or copper leaf. The technique requires skill and experience to achieve a flawless and durable gilded surface, making it a highly valued and respected art form.
The word "water gilding" is a compound term that consists of two components: "water" and "gilding".
The term "gilding" comes from the Old English word "gyldan", which means "to cover with a thin layer of gold". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "gulthianan", meaning "to gild" or "to adorn with gold". The word has its origins in the Proto-Indo-European root "*ghel", which means "to shine" or "to glitter".
On the other hand, "water" comes from the Old English word "wæter", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "watōr". This word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*wodr" or "*wedor", which means "water".