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Gilding & Antiquing

Gilding is the application of gold, silver, or platinum leaf (or other gold-coloured alloys) to accessories and furnishings to simulate the use of solid gold or other precious metals. This finishing technique was first employed by the Incas and ancient Egyptians, and has become synonymous with the ornate styling of the Baroque and Renaissance eras.

In our example we’ll be gilding a photo frame using Dutch Metal Leaf, an affordable coloured alloy perfect for smaller decor projects. While a photo frame is an excellent starting point for the amateur gilder, the following techniques can be applied to a variety of accessories and furnishings. Once we’ve gilded the frame, we’ll apply an antique finish to tone down the shine and give an impression of age.
Dragging on Wood

This technique, popularised in the 1930s by John Fowler, is often found in country-style interiors. A brush is dipped in a glaze coat and dragged over an existing non-porous base coat so that the latter shows through. Muted shades work best, creating a subtle, textured finish.

If you intend applying the technique to a kitchen cabinet as per our example, remove the cupboard doors first, and lay them on trestles before painting. This not only makes it easier to achieve a uniform finish, but will also prevent you clogging up the door hinges with paint. Allow two days to paint the front of the cupboard doors, and one to paint the back.
Marbling Technique

It is said that marbling dates back to the time of the pharaohs, when real marble was much desired but difficult to transport, prompting the ancient Egyptians to explore ways of imitating it.

This technique is best applied to surfaces where one might expect to find real marble – pillars, counter tops and floors, for example. However, the following effect can be achieved on almost any object. For added authenticity, study the veins of a real marble slab before attempting to reproduce it.
Colour Rubbing

Use this simple, subtle, technique to introduce depth to the walls of a room. Like sponging and dragging, colour rubbing involves applying a thin glaze coat over a flat, non-porous base coat, with the latter showing through in areas. The key is to work efficiently as the glaze coat dries quickly. If possible, experiment on a small area first.
Painting Stripes

This simple and striking technique can effectively mimic the appearance of striped wallpaper or, as in our example, be combined with a stencilled design to add contrast and interest.

Strong, bold colours can be just as effective as the muted shades used here. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, consider using the technique to create a checked design on your walls.
Verdigris Technique

Verdigris originates from the French term, ‘vert de Grece’, meaning ‘green of Greece’, and is used to refer to the beautiful blue-green shade of aged copper, bronze, and brass, as seen on the ancient domes and spires of many European cities.

The verdigris technique has enjoyed a recent surge in popularity, thanks to a revival of interest in wrought-iron furniture. Although we’ve used a wooden lamp base in our example, the technique may also be applied to metal that has been primed with metal primer.
Suede Effect on Walls

Plascon Suede is a premium, textured matt paint that produces a luxurious brushed suede effect when applied in a criss-cross method. The suede effect is enhanced by suede’s ability to absorb and reflect light, providing a depth and richness that cannot be achieved by conventional faux finishes.
Metallic Effect on Walls

Plascon Metallic is a premium, water-based metallic coating with a lustrous finish. The intensity of this elegant coating appears to alter subtly depending on the angle at which it is viewed. Use it to add richness, depth, and dimension to your walls and trims.
Pearl Effect on Walls

Plascon Pearl offers a subtle finish that captures the essence of natural pearl. This premium water-based coating is designed to be applied over an existing wall or trim colour, adding a hint of sparkle and shimmer to the surface. Depending on the underlying colour, the intensity of the shine and hue may appear to alter slightly as the surface is viewed from different angles.

A special category of wallcoverings is used in highly specialized circumstances or for areas of light traffic. Many of these types of wallcoverings have been replaced by vinyl wallcoverings that simulate the same look with greater durability. Nonetheless, many of the types of wallcoverings outlined below have historical importance, and can be produced by specialty manufacturers or custom firms. They are highly decorative, and appropriate for use in any contract area where a dramatic look is desired.

String Effects – wallcoverings that have very fine vertical threads laminated to a papertype substrate. Most suitable for offices, boardrooms and areas of light traffic.
Natural Textile Wallcoverings – natural textiles usually laminated to a backing to enhance dimensional stability and to prevent the adhesive from coming through to the surface. These backings are usually acrylic or paper. Textiles are manufactured in a variety of widths and are constructed of natural fibers. Natural textiles can be finely designed or coarse in texture depending on the desired look.
Polyolefin/Synthetic Textile Wallcoverings – woven and non-woven looking wallcoverings developed to give the aesthetic appearance of a natural textile while adding an increased value in stain and abrasion resistance. These products are generally put up with an acrylic or paper backing. Many of these products are comprised of polyolefin yarns, which are olefin fibers made from polymers or copolymers of propylene. These types of wallcoverings are appropriate for higher traffic areas.
Acoustical Wallcoverings – designed for use on vertical surfaces, panels, operable walls and any place sound reduction is a primary factor such as meeting rooms, offices, theaters, auditoriums, restaurants as well as corridors and elevator lobbies. These products are predominantly made of man-made polyester and olefin fibers, and are tested for a special sound absorption rating known as a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NCR) rating. This rating indicates the amount of sound absorbed into the wall. The higher the number, the more noise absorption.
Cork and Cork Veneer – with variegated texture with no definite pattern or design. Cork veneer is shaved from cork planks or blocks and laminated to a substrate that may be colored or plain. Offers some degree of sound resistance; can be used as bulletin boards.
Digital Wallcovering – Borders, Murals, and Wallcovering. Unlimited supplies of designs, ideas, and colors. Digital Wallcoverings allows the person the freedom to express any theme, style or design on a ground of their choice.
Wood Veneer – wood wallcoverings mostly laminated to fabric backing. They are usually made in sheets 18 to 24 inches wide and provided in any length up to 144 inches long. Due to characteristics relative to environmental and grain matching, wood veneers are used mostly in the office or conference room environment along with some other specialty areas, such as large columns.
Foils – a thin sheet of metallic material with a paper or fabric substrate. Popular in the 1960s and 70s. Require a very smooth surface and extreme care when installing. Usage is limited; highly decorative.
Mylar (by DuPont) – wallcoverings ground made of vacuum-metallized polyester film laminated to a substrate. Offers a highly reflective surface with an appearance similar to foil with less stiffness.
Flocks – resemble cut velvet and very popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. Also popular in the 1970s. Produced by laminated shredded fibers to paper, vinyl, Mylar or foil. Highly decorative, period wallcoverings; limited abrasion resistance. For use in low traffic areas.
Underliner – blank stock-type wallcoverings. Comes in different weights such as light, medium and heavy. Can be plain paper stock or a non-woven type material. Liner can be used on almost any wall surface, such as plaster, sheetrock (drywall), paneling and cinder block. Its purpose is to provide a smooth surface for the installation of wallcoverings.