Chalks for gilding – discover the secrets of gesso

Chalks and animal based glue have always been used by gilders worldwide to make gesso for water gilding. Part of the gilder´s work involves testing chalk mixtures to find exactly the right gesso for his gilding technique. Chalks and glues show their highly diverse characteristics on the finished gesso. Just as in baking, the result depends on the right proportions and ingredients.