What does Gilding mean?
Gilding is the term used to indicate any applied metallic surface. Gilding can refer to gold paint. A good rule of thumb is -- Gold Leafing is always Gilding, however, gilding is not always Gold Leaf.
Would you travel for a work project?
Yes. Expenses for travel and housing accommodations would be charged over and above the ordinary fees.
I have a piece of furniture I would like refinished. What do I do?
First determine if it has antique value. Refinishing will, in most cases, devalue a genuine antique. A certified appraiser can make that determination. If it is a piece that has good lines but only sentimental value, then the type of finish is open to many possibilities. Send me a photo, or if you're local I'll come to look at it. I'll give you my suggestions and make every attempt to accommodate your desires.
What is Verre Églomisé?
Reverse gilding on glass. Gold leaf is adhered to a piece of cut glass with a gelatin size. A design is etched in the leaf and the unnecessary leaf removed. After drying the leaf is sealed with a japan paint or a tinted glaze. This can also be backed with felt. A 14th century Italian artisan once recommended invoking the name of God when etching the gold because mistakes cannot be corrected.
What is Faux Finishing?
Faux, loosely translated from the French means a simulation of a real substance. Faux Bois = simulated wood. Faux Marbre = simulated marble.
What is Glazing?
The use of a translucent media added to paint, tint or powdered pigment to enhance the visual effect of decorative finishes.
Why is Wall Glazing different than Faux Finishing?
It is my opinion that Faux Finishes represent the reproduction of real things, like wood and marble. Wall Glazing is for the most part simply a glaze mixture that has been manipulated to give depth to a textured surface. While walls can certainly be made to look like "real" things, glazing is just a way to add warmth and depth not available to a painted surface. It can be argued that paint can be textured, but without the addition of glazing liquid to the mixture it would not be possible to achieve the same illusion of depth. The same glazing techniques can be combined to create the woods and marbles, but I prefer to keep a separate category for Wall Glazes because that is the best place to show these techniques by themselves. These same glazes can be adjusted for use on furniture, floors and just about any thing that can be painted.
What does trompe l'oeil mean?
From the French, meaning, "deceive the eye". Painting contrived to appear 3 dimensional and realistic, often on a flat surface.
What is Stenciling?
A painting technique in which cut out shapes are used to create images, which are often repeated.
What is Antiquing?
A process of simulating natural aging and wear.
What is a Top or Finish Coat?
A protective finish over a decorative paint finish. Usually a varnish, shellac, or polyurethane.
What is Feng Shui?
The Chinese art of placement. The art depicted here involves Chinese and Doaist symbols signifying health, happiness and protection, among others. In Chinese feng means wind and shui means water. The phrase "wind and water" symbolizes a philosophy of elements working together to guide a person toward success.
What is a Crackle Finish?
An aging effect where the paint appears to have shrunk and broken, revealing the color beneath.
What is a Floorcloth?
They are painted canvases protected by as many as 10 layers of finish, then used in the place of rugs for decorative purposes.
MIRROR FAQs
How can I be sure of the finish I'm getting?
Once the shape is determined you will be offered a variety of clearly indicated finishes appropriate to the piece, such as patinated silver or copper leaf.
What do you mean by Patinated?
A patina is aging that occurs naturally to unprotected metallic surfaces. To Patinate refers to the action of artificially distressing or aging metal leaf finishes. I'm not sure, but I may have made up this word.
Can I order a piece displayed on the site?
If its available, of course. Many of the pieces, however, are no longer available. Although each piece is one-of-a-kind, I can produce another piece incorporating the same elements.
Can I submit a shape for a frame?
Of course. Minor alterations may be necessary for structural integrity or design elements, but custom work is definitely encouraged.
How can I request a custom order?
First submit your desire by e-mail or telephone, and then forward your request along with any special requirements in writing. Details will be worked out from there.
How does this affect pricing?
Pricing is determined by a combination time, materials, and the skill level required to produce the piece. So a complex design requiring gold leaf will cost more than a simple design with a crackle finish. On custom work a design fee is added. Refer to the pricing page.
How are the mirrors shipped?
UPS for orders out of my local area.
What about breakage during shipping? These are mirrors, after all.
They will be insured, but you are free to order just the frame and have the mirror cut by a local glass supplier. The price would be reduced accordingly. This should not be a concern, but if it were, I would understand.
Feel free to e-mail me with your questions.
©Schaefer 1998-2010