Gilder's wax

Description

A wax mixture used to clean and enhance the gold color of a gilt metal prepared with fire gilding. Gilder's wax contains Beeswax mixed with a copper salt (Verdigris) and an acid (Alum, or Borax). The wax is rubbed on the fire gilt metal, which is then returned to the fire to burn off the wax. The acid cleans the gilt surface while the second firing removes any remaining traces of Mercury.

Synonyms and Related Terms

cera de dorador (Esp.)

Additional Information

R. Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row, New York, 1969.

Authority

• Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)