Exterior Gilding
The Gilders' Studio has successfully gilded tens of thousands of square feet of exterior surfaces, including hard to coat aluminum, lead coated copper, lead and stainless steel. We have also gilded most other ferrous and nonferrous metals as well as concrete, terra cotta, stone and fiberglass. We are experts in preparation and coatings technology, prerequisites to a finish that will last for decades while exposed to the elements.
When the Romans first clad the roof of the Pantheon with gold, they were making a statement for the ages. And so it is today. While the gold on the Pantheon was removed long ago by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, we are still surrounded by domes, art and architecture embellished with gold. As the Romans implicitly felt, there is no material with the enduring luster of gold, especially in an exterior environment. Even now, in the atmosphere of our modern cities, gold will endure. Gold is a noble metal.
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Flame of KnowledgeLibrary of Congress, Washington, DCPrepared and gilded new copper flame on the Thomas Jefferson Building's dome with 23.5 KT gold leaf. Owner: United States Government |
Listed on the National Registry of Historic Landmarks |
NY Life Insurance HeadquartersNew York, New YorkThe Gilders' Studio acted as Construction Manager and Gilding Contractor for the project, which encompassed restoration of the 22,000 SF tile clad roof and 65’ tall bronze lantern. Working on 23 levels of scaffolding, all the tiles and the lantern were prepared by sponge blasting. The lantern also had extensive repairs made to the bronze and copper, which took over two months to complete. All the surfaces then received the appropriate primer followed by application of over 30,000 SF of 23.75 KT gold leaf. |
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Georgia State CapitolAtlanta, GeorgiaIn a multi-phased project over two years, we stripped the existing coatings, prepared and re-gilded the monel dome with 23.50 KT gold leaf. This project was executed on rope to save the cost of scaffolding. Owner: State of Georgia |
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Washington TempleLDS Church, Washington, DCAfter the cladding for the spires was removed by others, we blasted the steel panels, then prepared and applied size over which we gilded with 23.75 KT gold leaf. They were then re-installed. The Angel Moroni atop the tallest spire was prepared and re-gilded in situ from a crane basket. Owner: LDS Church |
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#10 Light StreetBaltimore, MarylandRestored original copper mansard roof and gilded the lead coated copper parapets, pilasters and C scrolls with over 6,000 SF of 23KT gold. Owner: Bank of America |
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Chapel of St. BasilUniversity of St. Thomas, Houston, TexasPrepared and gilded the new copper dome and cross with over 3,600 SF of 23.5 KT gold leaf. This is the largest exterior gilded dome in Texas. Owner: University of St. Thomas |
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Pat Neff HallBaylor University, Waco, TexasThe existing stainless steel domes were etched and primed then gilded with 23.50 KT gold leaf. |
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Pat Neff HallBaylor University Waco, TexasDetail of the stainless steel cupola above the main dome. Applying any coating to stainless steel is problematic so the proper preparation by experts is especially important. This finish has been in service for over 8 years and still looks as new. |
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Crestar BankWashington, DCWe were responsible for replicating the historic soldered copper weathervane as well as fabricating a new copper dome in place to match the original, which had deteriorated to the point that all the sheating underneath had to be replaced as well as the skin. We also gilded the copper dome, weathervane and clock face and repatinated over 5,000 SF of cornice, turrets and ornament. Architect: Ward Hall Associates |
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Faneuil Hall (circa 1742)Boston, MassachusettsThis historic structure, frequently cited as the birthplace of the American Revolution, was prepared and gilded in a contract that included the re-gilding of the dome atop the Old State House (circa 1712) as well. The domes were stripped, prepared and gilded with 23.5 KT gold leaf. Architect: National Park Service |
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Cathedral of the Immaculate ConceptionKansas City, MissouriThe 4,000+ SF copper dome and lantern were prepared and gilded with 23.5 KT gold leaf. Architect: Devine, Yvon, Flager |
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Sikh TempleBurke, VirginiaAfter extensive repair to the fiberglass skin, this replica of the dome atop the Golden Temple of Amritsar in Kashmir was properly prepared then gilded with 23.5 KT gold leaf. Architect: Bill Lieu and Associates |
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St. Casimir ChurchBaltimore, MarylandRepaired the 80-year-old copper domes on the two bell towers followed by stripping, preparing and applying a new layer of 23.5 KT gold leaf to the domes and crosses. Architect: JRS Architects |
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Old Town HallBoca Raton, FloridaThe existing copper dome on this historic structure in South Florida had been gilded since it was erected in the early 20th century. Exposure to the salt air formed a verdigris layer under the gold, which had to be stabilized after stripping. It was then prepared and gilded with 23.5 KT gold leaf. Owner: City of Boca Raton |
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Shrine of the Immaculate ConceptionKnights Tower Washington, DCWe stripped and restored the gilding on the finial and cross atop the 425' tall bell tower. We used 23.5KT gold leaf. Owner: The Archdiocese of Washington DC |
