Italian Bole is a specific type of clay used as a base for gold leaf in the water gilding technique. It is applied to the surface to be gilded which has previously been prepared with gesso. Bole allows the leaf to adhere to the surface over time and helps achieve a brighter finish to the gold in the burnishing phase.
How to Use
The support to be treated must be perfectly clean and smooth. Since it does not contain glue, an adhesive substance must be added to the bole. It is thus advisable to dilute the product in a 1:1 ration with a 90% water and 10% rabbit skin glue solution.
Once blended this mixture can be applied with a brush and the gold leaf applied when it is still wet. Once applied the product tends to dry in around two hours.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place in its own container, closed and away from direct light and heat. The ideal temperature is 15-25 Degrees Celsius with humidity under 50%.
Additional Information
Dilution percentage, application method and quantities applied may significantly affect the workability time.
The most suitable application methods should be determined by experimentation on the basis of the surface being gilded and the desired result.
