Retouching old gilding
Many porcelain dishes have a golden border around the edge, which often wears out locally. It can be recreated with powdered metallic pigments. Carefully mix the powder, until you reach the right proportions and add a little colorless varnish to it (too much of it will cause the surface to become dull). if it's required, add a little thinner, and just before starting to paint, add the hardening agent. Brush movements should be light and even. Try to apply gilding with one brush stroke. If you paint the same place twice, the gilded edge will be less even.
It is often much easier to hold the brush stationary, turning the cup or saucer with the other hand. Place a few books under the hand holding the brush, so that your shoulder is at the height that is most comfortable for you.
When gilding a large surface, it is difficult to avoid brush marks, while gold particles tend to separate from the varnish. Try to paint the pattern first with a clear varnish with a little pigment, thanks to which a pattern will be created for later gilding. Leave it to dry for a while, until it becomes "sticky"
(have a ceramic plate with a paint sample on hand). Then sprinkle the varnish with dry goldsmith powder, brushing it off the brush, and then lightly press with the tip of the same brush. Leave for a few minutes, then shake the excess pollen onto the cardboard and pour it back into the container.
After the varnish has dried, wipe the surface with a damp tissue paper, to remove non-sticky particles. Additionally, rinse with a cotton swab wrapped in cotton wool.
Leave it to dry overnight, then polish with a soft cloth. Do not apply an additional coat of varnish, so that gilding does not dull.
Gilding of the edges
It is easiest to gild the edges of cups or cups by holding the brush still and turning the object with the other hand. The hand holding the brush should be supported at the appropriate height.
