Leather filler

Description

A thin sealant or paste that is spread over the surface of Leather to fill the pores prior to gilding. Fillers, such as starch paste or isinglass, provide a smooth, nonporous surface. This keeps the glair from soaking into the skin resulting in better adhesion of the gold leaf. In the 19th century, ground leather mixed with various binders was also used as a filler (Waterer 1973).

Synonyms and Related Terms

vulsel voor leer (Ned);

Resources and Citations

• J.Waterer. A Guide to the Conservation and Restoration of Objects made Wholly or in Part of Leather. IIC, London, 1973.