Gilded Columns:
Clocks became more and more ornate throughout the
Victorian era. This was in keeping with the furniture and styles of
the times. Gilded trim and columns became very common around 1850
and continued until near the turn of the century.
Restoring
gilded work on a clock is a sure way to dramatically improve the
look. Basic gilding is relatively simple. Gilded columns with
embossed rings around the circumference present somewhat more of a
challenge. The following is a very brief recap of the process. |
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Supplies: There are a number of different gilding products and
techniques. Real gold leaf can be used for this process, but good
quality imitation leaf is closer to the product originally used on
mass produced clocks.
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Clock columns were usually made of wood.
To seal the wood grain
and provide the smooth surface needed for gilding, the columns were
usually treated with gesso.
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The gesso was applied to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
It was carefully sanded
smooth once cured.
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The gesso is usually painted with a base color such as a rust red.
This can often be seen "peeking" through on original, worn columns.
Alternatives to
red include yellow which hides missed spots well. Gold paint can
also be used to improve hiding of thin or missed spots.
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Imitation leaf is held to the columns by first applying an adhesive
product which can be either water or oil based.
Leaf comes in
sheets that are about 5 inches square and held in a "book" of 25
squares. |
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Once columns have been fully gilded, the rings must be added to
match the original column finish.
This requires some
special tools and fixtures that can be easily made in the average
shop. |
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With the column mounted in the rotating fixture, the rings are
firmly pressed into the gilding while being careful not to cut
through. |
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If the alignment of the rings are carefully matched to the original,
then the columns look very authentic. |
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The ringed columns
should be sealed with several coats of shellac or some other
protective finish. This will prevent excessive oxidation of the
gilding and tone down the brassy look of new gilding.
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Restored gilded
columns with the ring pattern greatly enhance the overall look of a
restored shelf clock. |
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Gilding is not difficult, but does require some planning and
practice.
Chapter 6 of Extreme
Restoration spends a great deal of time covering the preparation,
application of gesso and leaf. Details for building the fixtures and
tools for pressing rings into the columns is also covered in detail.
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