Poliment Powder

Poliment Powder

Sepp Leaf Products is pleased to introduce a new preferred Poliment Powder, imported from Europe to address the diminishing availability of traditional gilding clays in the market. Poliment, commonly referred to as gilders’ bole, is an essential component in the water gilding process, providing the smooth, mineral-rich foundation that allows gold leaf to adhere beautifully and achieve a high burnished finish. As the global supply of traditional clay sources continues to decline, this carefully selected European poliment offers a dependable and consistent alternative for professional gilders and conservators.

Formulated to meet the standards of traditional gilding techniques, SeppLeaf’s preferred Poliment Powder is designed to be premixed with water and combined with prepared rabbit skin glue, creating a smooth and workable bole that applies evenly and polishes to a brilliant luster. Suitable for both restoration and new work, it maintains the performance and reliability expected in classic water gilding applications. By sourcing this high-quality material from Europe, Sepp Leaf Products ensures continued access to a trusted bole formulation, helping artists, frame makers, and conservators maintain the craftsmanship and results associated with traditional gilding practices.

Also known as bole, Poliment Powder is a clay-like substance. Bole is used to provide the base colour underneath gold and other leaf when water gilding. This product comes supplied as paste, with the clay mixed with water, but requires mixing with gelatin or rabbit skin glue before it is ready for use. Once mixed into a useable bole the product is laid over a surface prepared with gesso in multiple thin coats until the desired depth of color and surface finish is achieved, then the gilder proceeds with the rest of the water gilding process. Kolner Classic Poliment boasts excellent covering power and no fish-eyeing as it dries.