Gesso

[CalicoFraming]

Does anyone have any hot tips on sanding gesso down in preparation for water gilding. I'm using fine sandpaper (say 180 grit) and then sometimes wet and dry (say 400 grit). I also sometimes use a damp cloth to wet polish in the first instance if it's really rough. I'm getting there, but it's taking absolutely ages.

On a related point, I'm also losing definition on some of the smaller quirks and beads on the mouldings where too much gesso has gone down. Any suggestions on how to minimise this problem?

Thanks!

[vintage frames]

My sympathy on this one. Sanding gesso is a pain. It can be overcome however, and when done well, the results are quite beautiful. I really have to get back to basics and say that the only practical and easy way of applying gesso is with a spraygun. It doesn't have to be an expensive one, £30 to £40 will do. The gesso is sprayed hot, at a high volume/low pressure setting and on to sized substrate.
It is important that the gesso is made up to an optimum formula, ie RSG made to 1 part vol dry to 10 parts vol water, then mixed 50/50 with whiting ( say 300ml RSG to 300gr whiting).
When the gesso is dry, smooth the surface with 180 grit sandpaper and the polish with 320 or 400 grit. Using a wet folded cloth pad, polish the surface but being careful not to rub too deep. When this has just dried, polish the gesso to a marble finish.
The loss of detail on your moulding is a result of too high a build of gesso. Spraying can eliminate that.
I have just started to teach gilding from my workshops. I can give a professional and detailed course in watergilding over two days for £180 per person; all enquiries now welcome.

[CalicoFraming]

Thanks for this VintageFrames. I'd love a spray system, of course, just no place to build a spray booth right now, so will have to rely on elbow grease for the time being!