Reverse Gilded Glass
Reverse glass gilding or verre eglomise has its origins over 1,500 years ago in Italy. The leaf is applied to the back of glass, which protects the gilding and adds a new visual dimension to the leafed surface which is not achievable with surface gilding. This art form has seen a resurgence in the past decade as table tops, backsplashes, feature walls and furniture have been transformed with paint and leaf.
Using combinations of water gilding and oil gilding we are able to produce striking effects. The availability of hand tinted Japanese silver leaf broadens our palette even more.
Scroll through some of our installations and samples below to see a small selection of what is available.
 |
Gilded Glass Accent WallWashington, DCThis tempered glass accent wall was gilded on the reverse with a hand tinted Japanese silver leaf. The pattern was established to blend with the glass tile on the base of the fireplace. Designer: SPI Design |
 |
Blue Gilded BacksplashWashington, DCThe tempered glass on this kitchen backsplash was gilded on the reverse with hand tinted blue Japanese silver leaf. Designer: SPI Design |
 |
Distressed Silver leafPrivate ResidenceThis two-layer process consists of watergilded silver leaf, which is distressed with pumice, then overgilded with 22 KT Moon Gold all done in reverse on glass. The glass is then treated so it can be attached to the wall using conventional mirror mastic. |
 |
Palladium Leafed TableReverse Gilded GlassThis cocktail table had Palladium leaf applied to the reverse of the glass surfaces. The stool fits snugly under each end. Designer: SPI Design |
 |
12 KT "White" Gold LeafReverse Gilded GlassThis alloy consists of 50% gold and 50% silver and is called white gold, though it is actually a very pale yellow. |
 |
Moon GoldReverse Gilded GlassThis unique alloy of gold leaf has no copper in it, therefore lending a "champagne" tone to the leaf. Note the structure of the leaf under the glass, which is only achievable when gilding on the back of glass. |
 |
Watergilded Silver with PatinaReverse Gilded GlassThis unique finish is silver leaf which is watergilded onto the back of glass using a water and gelatine size (glue) thereby achieving a mirror lustre. In this case, a chemical agent was added to the size causing the silver to oxidize. Watergilding with silver leaf or gold leaf on glass was used to produce early looking glasses. |
 |
23.75 KT Gold LeafReverse Gilded GlassGIlded on to the back of iron free "starfire" glass, this alloy of 99% pure gold will add a luxurious touch to many surfaces. |
 |
Ocean Blue Japanese Silver LeafReverse Gilded GlassThis silver leaf from Japan is actually hand tinted to give it this unique coloration. The palette available consists of over 30 different colors and shades which are esepcially luminous under glass. |
 |
Oxidized Black Silver LeafReverse Gilded GlassThis silver leaf from Japan is oxidized to give it this unique appearance. |
 |
Blue Green Japanese Silver LeafReverse Gilded GlassThis silver leaf from Japan is actually hand tinted to give it this unique coloration. The palette available consists of over 30 different colors and shades which are esepcially luminous under glass. |
 |
16KT Lemon GoldReverse Gilded GlassThis alloy of 70% gold and 30% silver is a light yellow, thus its name, "Lemon" gold leaf. |
 |
Palladium LeafReverse Gilded GlassPalladium leaf is in the platinum family and is a white metal, but much warmer in tone than aluminum or silver. |
