Gilding Courses - Florence, Italy

Large gilded frame

graffito frame

detail of a large gilded frame

A note for search engine users: another term for gilding is gold leafing. Guilding is a misspelled version of the same word, it is common but incorrect.

Gilding Courses

Courses list | Schedule & fees | How to register | About our teachers | Accommodation

Learn traditional water gilding techniques in our studio. Teachers are professional restorers certified by the Italian state.

Introductory Gilding Level: 1 | Hours: 20
Duration: Monday to Friday | Time: 14:00-18:00 | Dates and prices

Example projects:

Course objectives:
• Learn the basics of traditional water gilding the historically correct Florentine way.
• Save yourself many hours of experimentation by studying with an expert on gilding and restoration.

Course description:
Course participants learn the basics of water gilding with 22 karat leaf, dutch metal leaf, and silver leaf. The course also covers the use of gold size, and decorative techniques involving the finishing, oxidizing, toning and antiquing of gilded surfaces.

• learn how to use traditional gilding tools.
• teachers pass on tried and true methods to obtain beautifully gilded surfaces.

The courses take place within our artisan studio where we gild and finish fine furniture and restore antiques so that students can observe and learn from their surroundings as well as from the teaching.

Project pieces to take home are small frames and trays which are provided by the studio. All other course materials are provided for the duration of the course.

Instructor: Roberto Passeri or Alison Woolley. Read more about the teachers

Advanced Gilding Level: 2,3 | Hours: 20
Duration: Monday to Friday | Time: 14:00-18:00 | Dates and prices

Example projects:

A small but complex frame water gilded with 24K gold.

Example of the graffito technique.

Example of bulinatura decoration.

Samples of the pastiglia techniques.

Antiquing techniques using oxidation.

Course objectives:
Deepen your knowledge of water gilding techniques with specific emphasis on decorative techniques and restoration

Course description:
Course participants further their knowledge of the techniques of Italian water gilding with gold and silver leaf. Students who wish to enroll in this course should have taken the introductory course, or have some previous experience with water gilding.
gilding materials
Learn the following techniques:
• graffito
• bulinatura
• toning
• antiquing and application of patina
• oxidation of silver leaf
• restoration of pastiglia on frames

The teacher is a qualified restorer with many years of practical experience working on Italian state treasures. He can guide you past many pitfalls with his careful techniques that are tried and true. The skills learned are useful in the field of antique restoration, or can be employed in the creation of high quality originals.

Instructor: Roberto Passeri or Alison Woolley. Read more about the teachers

About the teachers |

For more information and registration please write to
For full contact info see the contact us page

Please keep in mind that August is a traditional summer break in Italy. Many schools, artisan workshops, businesses, etc. may be closed, therefore some courses and the Artisan Quarter tour may not be available during that month. Check Italian public holidays before you plan your trip.