Creating a “Gilded” Effect With Frenchic

Category: Features

Creating a “Gilded” Effect With Frenchic

Karen Jones

Creative Artisan

Back to Experts Blog

Title

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. 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 of creating the gilded look is to paint underneath. I like to use our Original Artisan Range. My absolute favourite colours to use are Panther, Flamenco and Sugar Puff.

A tip here is to create a bit of texture in this paint (by moving or stippling the paint with the brush when it is nearly dry).

After you have put on your gold finish, if you sand it slightly, the colours you have put underneath will show through. If you want a really old look, then give it a really thorough sand, where not only can the “old” colours be seen, but some wood too!

What you’ll need

My personal favourite way to create a gilded effect is to create a gilding wax – simply mix Frensheen 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: Don't mix it together so much that it's all the same colour, as a variety in the gold finish will give it depth and make it look more original.

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, as 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 email me through our Ask an Expert.

Title