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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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