Gilding & Decorative Finishes

Traditional Gilding, Specialist Restoration & Decorative Craftsmanship

At Butler & Castell, we provide traditional gilding and decorative finishing services for antique furniture, mirrors, picture frames, architectural features and heritage interiors.

Using time-honoured techniques and materials, we restore and recreate decorative surfaces with precision, sensitivity and attention to historical authenticity. Whether conserving original gilded finishes or producing new work to complement period interiors, our approach is rooted in traditional craftsmanship and an understanding of historic decorative arts.

From delicate frame restoration to large-scale architectural gilding, we work with private clients, interior designers, collectors, heritage organisations and commercial clients throughout Norfolk, East Anglia and beyond.

Water Gilding

Water gilding is one of the most refined decorative finishes and has been used for centuries on fine furniture, mirrors, frames and architectural ornament.

This traditional process creates the distinctive depth, brilliance and burnished finish associated with high-quality gilded work.

Suitable for:

  • Antique mirrors

  • Picture frames

  • Decorative mouldings

  • Furniture details

  • Architectural features

  • Conservation and restoration projects

Gold leaf sheets and crumpled pieces, a paintbrush, and a small spatula on a gray surface.

Oil Gilding

Oil gilding provides a durable and versatile finish suitable for both interior and exterior applications.

It is commonly used for:

  • Architectural details

  • Signage

  • Decorative mouldings

  • Furniture accents

  • Interior decorative schemes

Available in a range of gold leaf and metallic finishes.

Close-up of a hand holding a small paintbrush touching a black glove, surrounded by gold-colored decorative objects and red figurines, with a decorated cake at the bottom.

Frame Restoration & Regilding

Antique and decorative frames often suffer from wear, losses, cracking or previous unsuitable repairs.

Our frame restoration services include:

  • Cleaning and stabilisation

  • Composition ornament repairs

  • Replacement decorative mouldings

  • Surface preparation

  • Water and oil gilding

  • Toning and colour matching

  • Conservation-led restoration

The aim is always to preserve the character and craftsmanship of the original frame while ensuring visual harmony and structural stability.

An ornate, empty gold-colored picture frame with intricate floral and scroll designs leans against a white wall. A wire hangs from the top inside the frame, and there is a plastic bag with metal hardware on the floor in front of the frame.
A large ornate gold-framed mirror reflecting a painting of two sailing ships on water.
An ornate, gold-colored mirror frame resting on a wooden table covered with newspapers.
Large oval mirror with gold and black frame hanging above a mantel, flanked by two tall black candles in silver candle holders.

Mirror Restoration

Historic mirrors are often significant decorative features that deserve specialist care.

Services include:

  • Frame restoration

  • Regilding

  • Ornament replacement

  • Surface repairs

  • Conservation treatments

  • Decorative finish matching

A close-up of ornate, gold-colored carved wooden furniture pieces with intricate designs, placed on a dark marble surface.
An ornate gold-framed mirror hanging on a green wall with a nature-themed mural featuring birds and branches. The mirror reflects a room with a chair, a table, and a framed picture.

Composition Ornament & Decorative Repairs

Many antique frames, mirrors and furniture pieces incorporate decorative composition ornament that can become damaged over time.

We undertake:

  • Ornament replacement

  • Casting and reproduction

  • Decorative repairs

  • Mould creation

  • Surface finishing and blending

Repairs are carefully integrated to complement the original design and appearance.

Close-up of an ornate carved ivory and dark brown wood corner piece, possibly part of antique furniture or decorative artifact, resting on a textured surface with a partially visible paper underneath.
Close-up of an ornate, vintage gold-colored decorative frame with intricate carvings, floral patterns, and scrollwork.

Decorative Finishes

In addition to gilding, we offer a range of traditional decorative finishing techniques.

These may include:

  • Distressing and ageing

  • Colour matching

  • Decorative paint effects

  • Traditional surface finishes

  • Heritage interior finishes

  • Specialist decorative treatments

Each finish is tailored to the project and designed to complement the surrounding period character.

A display of various beige and brown marble tiles on a table covered with newspapers.

Conservation-Led Approach

Where historic objects are involved, our work is guided by conservation principles.

This means carefully assessing existing surfaces, retaining original material wherever possible and ensuring that any intervention respects the object's history and significance.

Whether undertaking a full regilding project or a small decorative repair, our objective is always to balance aesthetic improvement with long-term preservation.

Who We Work With

We provide gilding and decorative finishing services for:

  • Private clients

  • Antique dealers

  • Interior designers

  • Collectors

  • Historic houses

  • Churches

  • Heritage organisations

  • Museums

  • Commercial clients

Gilding & Decorative Finishes in Norfolk and East Anglia

Based in Norfolk, Butler & Castell undertakes gilding and decorative finishing projects throughout East Anglia and across the United Kingdom.

From the restoration of an antique mirror frame to the gilding of architectural features within historic properties, we bring traditional skills and meticulous attention to detail to every project.

Request a Consultation

If you are considering a gilding, regilding or decorative finishing project, we would be pleased to discuss your requirements and recommend the most appropriate approach.

Contact Butler & Castell to arrange a consultation or request a quotation.

Book a Consultation