Prepare a smooth ground for gold leaf or a traditional painting ground with Divolo Bologna gypsum. This fine white powder is hydrated calcium sulphate. Combine it with a binder to make a ground or stucco mixture.
Contents and size choice
- One pack of Bologna gypsum powder: choose the 750 ml tub or 25 kg sack.
- Binder, water, mixing tools, brush, sandpaper and gilding materials are not included.
The 750 ml tub is a compact choice for smaller preparations; the 25 kg sack suits larger consumption. The tub size is given by volume, not as 750 g of powder. This is an ingredient for your own mixture, not ready-to-use liquid gesso.
Traditional gilding ground on wood
For a rabbit-skin glue ground, prepare the glue solution first, then the gypsum mixture. Use a water bath for heating.
- Soak 100 g of rabbit-skin glue in about 1 l of water for about 12 hours. Then heat the glue in a water bath until dissolved.
- In a water bath, mix 350 g of Bologna gypsum with 500 ml of the prepared glue solution.
- Apply the mixture lukewarm to the wood. Work in several coats, keeping the mixture lukewarm for each coat; 5 or 6 coats may be needed depending on the preparation.
- Allow the ground to dry fully. Then sand with medium or fine sandpaper to remove uneven areas.
Other preparations
The fine powder can also be combined with a suitable binder to make a painting ground or stucco mixture for decorative work. Follow the appropriate recipe when using another binder. The proportions above are for a traditional rabbit-skin glue gilding ground.
Handling and storage
Limit dust when measuring and sanding, and do not breathe the dust. Store the powder tightly closed in a dry place.
Materials for your project
Explore materials for mixed media and decoration and other creative materials.
