The English Refinisher offers gilding in Dallas, TX: gold leaf, silver leaf and Roman gilding for frames, mirrors, carvings, furniture and interior architectural work. It is a rare skill, and one I have practised since my early training as a traditional frame maker.
Gilding in Dallas
Gilding catches the light in a way paint cannot imitate. A carved frame or a piece of furniture with painted gold details looks flat beside the same piece properly gilded. Very few finishers still offer this work, and I am glad to be one of them.
What I Gild
- Frames and mirrors, including carved and pierced frames
- Interior architectural gilding, such as mouldings, corbels and overmantels
- Carvings and ornament
- Furniture, from carved details and trim to decorative accents
- Hardware and small details on pieces I am already refinishing
Gold Leaf and Silver Leaf
Leaf is real metal, laid onto a prepared surface in sheets thinner than a human hair. I work in gold leaf and silver leaf, and the finish can be left bright or toned down with an antique glaze to suit the piece and the room.
Roman Gilding / Powder Gilding
Roman gilding, also known as English powder gilding, is a technique from Victorian England. Numerous shades of gold can be achieved with it, which makes it well suited to matching an existing gold or a sample a client brings me. It follows every curve and hollow of carved detail, so the high points catch the light and the recesses stay rich and warm.
Recent Project: Demilune Cabinet and Matching Mirror
This cabinet and mirror came to me with their carved details in flat silver paint. My client wanted gold, matched to a sample she supplied, antiqued and with no shine.
Read the full Roman gilding project, or see more of my gold leaf and silver leaf work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you match an existing gold?
Yes. Bring me a sample, or the piece it needs to sit beside, and I will match the tone and warmth as closely as I can.
Can gilding be antiqued so it is not too shiny?
Yes. I mix my own glazes, so the finish can be anything from bright to soft and antiqued with no shine.
Do you gild furniture as well as frames?
Yes. Carved details, trim and decorative accents on furniture can all be gilded, on their own or as part of a full refinish.
What is the difference between gold leaf and Roman gilding?
Gold leaf is laid on in thin sheets of metal. Roman gilding uses gold powder mixed with binders. Each has its place, and I am happy to advise which suits your piece.
Have a piece that needs gilding? Send me a photo through the contact page for a free estimate, or call (469) 371-1468.
Before & After
