Gilt Restoration

Gilt Restoration and Gilding Supplies

Gilt restoration is the process of repairing, touching up or recreating the decorative gold and metallic finish found on antique furniture, picture frames, mirrors and other decorative objects. Our range includes traditional and modern gilding products for restoring damaged areas, matching existing finishes and adding new metallic decoration.

Whether you are restoring an antique gilt frame, repairing worn gilding on a mirror or adding a decorative metallic finish to a new project, we stock a selection of gilt creams, gilding waxes, gilt varnishes, metallic paints, metal leaf and gold size.

Gilt Cream for Antique Restoration

Gilt cream is particularly useful for touching up damaged or worn antique gilding. It can be applied to areas where the original gilt finish has been lost or damaged, helping to blend repaired sections with the surrounding surface.

Liberon Gilt Cream is available in a range of traditional shades, allowing you to choose a colour that is suitable for the existing finish. Several thin applications can be used when building up the colour, with the finished surface either left matt or gently buffed depending on the desired appearance.

Gilding Wax

Gilding wax provides a convenient way to add or restore a metallic finish, particularly on detailed or decorative surfaces. It can be useful for highlighting carved details, furniture mouldings, picture frames and other areas where a controlled application is required.

Gilding wax is available in different shades, making it possible to select a colour that complements the existing finish. When restoring an antique, always test the chosen colour on an inconspicuous area before treating the main surface.

Gilt Varnish and Metallic Paint

Gilt varnish and metallic paint can be used to create decorative metallic finishes on suitable surfaces. They are particularly useful when applying a new gilt finish or carrying out detailed restoration where a liquid paint provides greater control than wax or cream.

Our range includes metallic finishes in colours such as gold, silver, bronze, copper, champagne and rose gold. Product suitability varies, so always check the individual product instructions and prepare the surface appropriately before application.

Gold Leaf and Metal Leaf

For traditional gilding work, metal leaf can be applied over a suitably prepared surface to create a decorative metallic finish. Gold-coloured and other metallic leaves can be used on picture frames, furniture, mirrors, decorative objects and other suitable surfaces.

When applying metal leaf, the preparation of the surface and the correct adhesive or gold size are important parts of the process. Our range includes gold size and metal leaf products for those carrying out traditional or decorative gilding projects.

Restoring Antique Gilt Frames and Mirrors

Gilt picture frames and antique mirrors can develop worn areas, scratches, chips and losses to the original finish over time. In many cases, localised repairs can be carried out without completely refinishing the entire object.

For smaller areas of damage, a suitable gilt cream or gilding wax can be used to retouch the finish. Where larger areas require a new metallic coating, gilt varnish, metallic paint or metal leaf may be more appropriate depending on the original construction and desired result.

Before beginning restoration, clean the surface carefully and assess the condition of the existing gilding. Valuable or historically important pieces should be treated particularly cautiously, as removing original material can affect the character and value of an antique.

Gilding Products for Furniture and Decorative Surfaces

Gilding is not limited to picture frames and mirrors. Metallic finishes are also found on antique furniture, decorative woodwork, plaster, gesso, carved details and other ornamental surfaces.

Our range includes products suitable for both restoration and decorative projects, allowing you to repair an existing gilt finish or introduce metallic detailing to a new piece.

Choosing the Right Gilt Restoration Product

The right product depends on the condition of the existing finish, the material underneath and the result you want to achieve. For small areas of damaged antique gilding, a gilt cream or gilding wax may be appropriate. For new surfaces or larger areas, gilt varnish, metallic paint or metal leaf may provide a better solution.

Always check the individual product instructions before use and test the colour, compatibility and finished appearance on a spare or inconspicuous area. This is particularly important when trying to match existing antique gilding, as the surrounding finish may have changed colour over time.

For a practical guide to repairing and restoring gilding, see our How to Repair and Restore Gilding guide.