Reverse Glass Gold Leaf Gilding

Reverse glass gold leaf gilding is a traditional form of signage often used on store fronts and office doors. It uses real gold which gives it a unique look difficult to replicate. It takes some tricky planning however. The paints are enamel and take longer to dry. The paint and gold layers are stacked in reverse of how one would normally make a sign. Lastly, the gold leaf is very delicate. It takes patience to place it onto the glass. Any unintentional movement can tear the leaf or crumple it, reducing its smooth appearance.

This piece is my second reverse glass gilding project. It was a wedding gift for a friend. “Voulez vous allons-y” is an inside joke between the couple. One grew up with French as their second language and the other, in attempt to impress, wanted to say “ready to go” (with the little French they knew). While it didn’t impress per se, it was an endearing and funny story that became their saying to each other.

They are a great couple and I know they’ll have an exciting and eventful future together.