The professional 7-day master gilding course with certificate
Over centuries gilding skills have always been passed on within families with all their secrets jealously guarded. The Art Gilding Academy is changing this system to give anybody who wants to learn this ancient craft a literally golden opportunity.
German Master Gilder Karl Eggert is acknowledged as one of the world’s leading experts on gilding. Under his tutelage, students will gain the benefit of over 50 years of professional gilding experience.
The Master Gilding Course is designed to give you in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in gilding. It would take years to learn what has been condensed into this unique gilding course.
- No prior knowledge is required.
- Students graduate from the course with a certificate of competency and a thorough understanding of the art gilding process.
- On completion of the course, students will be able to gild on furniture, frames, artworks, French clocks, as well as statues, cornices or even an entire wall or ceiling.
Maximum three students per course.
What you will learn
- Learn traditional & modern gilding techniques
- Special surface preparation – Different substrates need different surface preparations so the end result looks good and the project will last.
- Application of gold and silver leaf, Dutch metal, aluminium and copper leaf.
- Patination – aging with glazes and acids.
- Water gilding (gold burnishing) – your Master Gilding Course Certificate frame.
- Traditional 17th century gilding technique with modern materials – You will be taught the technique of water gilding (the Rolls Royce of gilding). Use gesso and bole to create a finish as smooth as glass. After the application of gold leaf, the surface is then burnished to sheer brilliance, resembling the look of solid gold. This is an important technique in the restoration and gilding of frames.
- Application of various metal leaves onto flat boards – this technique can be used to gild walls and ceilings.
- Food gilding – you will learn how to apply gold leaf to food and wine.
What you will get
- Your gilded Master Gilding Course Certificate frame.
- Other projects such as a plaster plaque, paper-mache box, glass plate, metal ornament, canvas and 10 boards.
- Art Gilding Academy apron to keep for your future gilding work!
Master Gilding Course students receive lifetime membership to the Goldfinger Club
We’ve found that good support is the key to success for many of our students, so we’re passionate about making sure they get the most out of this course by providing:
- Free lifetime ongoing advice for any future projects – phone and email support.
- Generous 10% discount on all materials and tools*.
- Opportunity to work with the Art Gilding team on architectural projects.
Course venue
Art Gilding 63 George Street, South Hurstville NSW 2221Course format
- This 7-day course starts on Saturday and finishes on the following Friday.
- Classes start at 10am and finish at 4pm on each day.
- Total tuition time: 38.5 hours.
- Maximum THREE students per course.
What to wear
Casual clothing. We will supply you with an Art Gilding Academy apron to keep.
Course cost: $4598
- A deposit of $500 secures your place in the class of your choice.
- Balance of $4098 is due 2 weeks before course commencement.
Next course available:
12th to 18th September 2026
- To register your interest, fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch to discuss your needs.
- We have a Master Gilding Course every month but we’re always happy to schedule courses based on demand as well.
- If you have any questions about any of our courses please contact Brigitte.