There are several terms that are used in gilding, both modern and historical. This glossary is an attempt to gather these terms into one place for you to refer back to as you read this blog. Where possible, I’ve also noted alternate spellings that you may come across. Several of the terms may be synonyms or repetitive. Some of these terms have other meanings when used in other arts—I have not included all of those meanings.
Bole – Clay used in gilding. Can come in several colors—yellow and red are very commonly used in period. The color of the bole will change the cast of the leaf that is laid over it, giving it a tint.
Gesso – a hard compound often made of some sort of whiting. Used as a base for gilding.
Gilding – The process of putting gold leaf or gold paint on a surface.
Glair – A size, or adhesive, made from egg (generally the whites) for gilding.
Size, sise – An adhesive used to adhere gold to a surface. Some sizes are also used as varnishes.
Shell gold (or silver) – Powdered gold or silver, bound with a medium that can vary, but that is generally honey, a gum solution, or glair. Often kept in seashells during the medieval era, thus the term “shell.”
Varnish – Liquid applied to surface to form a hard, clear surface when dried. Often used to protect or seal the surface.
Whiting – Pure-white, ground chalk. Modern term is calcium carbonate. Used in gesso when mixed with an adhesive such as rabbit skin glue.
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