The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

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Ormoulu

Dear friend,

Could you explain how in 19th century the process of coating bronze with gold (ormuolu) was made. Why was it so dangerous? Is somebody in the world working still the same way? How could be restore the small scratches on the pieces of that time? How could thoses pieces be cleaned without damaging the gold or altering the patina?

Thank you very much for your answering.

Carlos E. Martin
- Barcelona, Spain

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I believe they used to make an amalgam of gold and mercury, spread it on the piece, then burn off the mercury, thus poisoning the gilder with the fumes. You may be able to repair with gold leaf which you rub onto the piece, I'm not sure how it will match the patina.

  
Tom Pullizzi
Falls Township, Pennsylvania