Kolner Burnishing Clay
Kolner Burnishing Clay and Kolner Instaclay offer a modern approach to traditional water gilding, simplifying a process that has historically required multiple labor-intensive steps. Developed in Germany, Kolner Burnishing Clay combines the roles of glue size, gesso, and bole into a single, ready-to-use product. This water-based system eliminates the need for heating glues or applying numerous layers, making it a more efficient and accessible solution for achieving a true burnished finish.
These versatile clays can be applied to a wide range of substrates, including sealed wood, plastics, lacquered metals, and other nonporous surfaces without the need for additional sealing. Porous materials such as raw wood, plaster, or paper should be sealed prior to application to ensure proper adhesion. Available in traditional bole colors—including red, yellow, white, black, and blue—Kolner Burnishing Clay can also be mixed to create custom tones, with the white clay tintable using Mixol® pigments for expanded color possibilities.
Application is straightforward and adaptable to both studio and commercial settings. The clay is applied in multiple thin coats, then sanded and polished to achieve a smooth surface prior to gilding. Once prepared, the surface is wetted with gilders’ liquor and gold leaf is applied in a manner similar to traditional water gilding. The result is a beautifully burnishable surface capable of achieving a high, mirror-like finish, while significantly reducing preparation time and complexity compared to traditional methods.
