Creating a "gilded" effect with Frenchic

Category: Features

Creating a "gilded" effect

Karen Jones

Creative Artisan

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Think old picture frames, gilded lamp bases, or decorative "gold leaf effect" details from a bygone era, and I’ll tell you all about which Frenchic products you can use to create this elegant, antique gilded look. The trick is to make it look like the original so that no one knows. Can you guess which item in the main picture is created using Frenchic? It's quite tricky, isn't it? They all look to have a similar finish, which is exactly what needs to happen for the look to be "authentic."

To achieve this, you can’t just simply paint something gold, you need to use different shades and tones of gold. One way to achieve this is by mixing Gorgeous Gold and Sexy Silver Frensheen with Finishing Coat in different quantities to create different tones and it's a good idea to create a slightly thicker consistency than paint as it “grabs” the detail more.

What you’ll need

Another way is to paint underneath and I like to use Artisan and favourite colours to use are Panther, Flamenco and Sugar Puff, all of which can be found peeking through on antique gilded pieces and a tip here is to create a bit of texture in this paint (by moving the paint with the brush when it is nearly dry or stippling), so that after you have put on your gold finish, if you sand it slightly these colours will show through and sand it even more for a really old look, where not only can “old” colours be seen, but some wood too!

What you’ll need

My personal favourite way is to create a gilding wax – simply mix Gorgeous Gold with Browning Wax in a 50/50 ratio and you will be able to add the wow factor by simply applying this with your finger, onto any raised detail – I love it! Quick tip here is don’t mix so it is all the same colour and less of a mix will mean more variety in the gold finish making it look more original and not flat.

What you’ll need

And lastly, but by no means least – check out Frenshimmers – a ready mix metallic for those who want a more uniform look but with a hint of sparkle – my favourite is the Rusty Ol Bronze, and it really does look like bronze!

If you’d like help on this technique or have a question, why not chat to your local stockist or “Ask an Expert".

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