2026 Society of Gilders Conference 4 full days Monday – Thursday
Instructor: B. Corey Johnson
Water gilding is a “slow art” that has remained virtually unchanged for over 4,000 years. It is a process dictated by the rhythm of natural materials—rabbit skin glue, crushed marble, and fine clay—culminating in the unmistakable, mirror-like brilliance of gold leaf.
This 4-day intensive is designed for artists, framers, conservators, and the “mindful maker” who wishes to master the foundation of this prestigious craft. Because water gilding is 90% preparation, we begin where the masters did: at the very surface. You will learn the preparation of traditional gesso, the tactile art of “leveling” a frame to an ivory-smooth finish, and the application of clay bole to provide the soul and color beneath the gold.
Under guided instruction, you will transition from preparation to the “moment of truth”—using the gilder’s tip and liquor to lay loose gold leaf. The course concludes with the transformative stage of agate burnishing, where raw gold is compressed into a breathtaking, liquid-metal shine.
Who Should Attend?
This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced gilders. A steady hand and an appreciation for detail-oriented processes are helpful, as water gilding rewards patience over speed.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, you will have the confidence to:
- Master the Ground: Cook and apply traditional rabbit skin glue gesso and clay bole.
- The Art of the Cut: Handle and cut delicate loose gold leaf using a gilder’s cushion and knife.
- The Water Lay: Master the “gilder’s liquor” technique to successfully bond leaf to the bole.
- Faulting: Identify and repair “holidays” (gaps)
- The Mirror Finish: Achieve a professional high-luster burnish using agate stones.
Tools required:
- Gilder’s Pad, Gilder’s Mop, Agate Burnisher, 3″ Gilder’s Tip brush, Gilder’s Knife, two 3/4″ Brushes, Tamping/skewing brush, Oil-free (or synthetic) steel wool
- If you do not have your own tools, Gilded Planet makes a great starter kit for beginners: https://www.gildedplanet.com/watergildingkits.html
- Other (Optional): gloves, apron, digital kitchen thermometer
Class Fee/tickets
March 1 – April 15 early reg: (SOG members only) $1045.
April 16 – May 15 open registration : $1125.
Maximum: 12 students
** Must be registered for conference to sign up for this class.
Class Fee Includes Materials :
- Wooden Frame
- Gilders whiting
- Rabbit Skin Glue
- Selection of colored Boles
- Sandpaper – wet and dry (grades 240-1200)
- Cotton Balls, Stirrers, Vaseline Petroleum Jelly
- Booklet – 22 Karat Yellow Double Gold
Instructor
B. Corey Johnson is a South Florida artist whose 20-year career in gold leaf began with the design and production of his own custom oil gilded frame line. Eventually, through years of trial and error with traditional gesso and bole formulas, he mastered the “slow art” of water gilding, staying true to time-honored techniques. His portfolio also includes restoration and gilding for the Norton Museum of Art, The Society of the Four Arts, and St. Alphonsus Cathedral. While Corey now elevates gilding as a standalone medium in his fine art, he remains a purist regarding the foundation, believing the frame is an essential extension of the art itself.
