We, at the Gilt Studio, not only repaired the existing damaged areas, but also took measures to prevent unsuspecting Flaking problems from arising in the future by injecting Rabbit Skin Glue into the wood throughout the frame.

To repair the existing problems we first salvaged what original material we could by re-sculpting the Gesso from underneath each flake by injecting Rabbit Skin Glue through the cracks and holdng them in place until they dried in shape. As for the areas that had lost its gilding work entirely, we built up the gaps with a new base of a Rabbit Skin Glue Gesso and Red Bole , and sanded them level to match the rest of the gilded surface. Once the Grecian Key design was etched back in, we water Gilded the new surface with 23 1/2 karats genuine gold leaf and antiqued the finish to match.

We were asked to Re-Gild and Revive this antique French settee purchased at this years Round Top Antique Market  to better suit its intended new life. Traveling to Houston to work on location at Key’s Upholstery, we soon discovered that there was more value to this piece than what met the eye.

Under neath the surface of this existing dreary gray finish laid a beaming and healthy layer of what was originally water gilded with Karat Gold Leaf craftsmanship. Armed and ready to gild for hours, we quickly changed course and reassigned our project from Antique Repair to Gilding Preservation.

Delicately and diligently we scrubbed and rubbed away at each inch of the existing finish with Q-tips to unveil the original gilding work, unscathed.

It was a real treasure to not only work on such a jewel, but to also enjoy the excitement of the new owners surprise in learning the true value in their purchases!

What other buried treasures may we uncover?!?!