Gilder's clay type S MANETTI, (gilder's clay Selhamin)

Clay primer paste, formulated for water gilding on gesso-treated wooden surfaces.
It creates a uniform, compact, and sandable intermediate layer that improves the adhesion of the metal leaf, promotes burnishing, and imparts chromatic depth and warmth to the metal. Its mineral nature and controlled grain size ensure smooth, compact surfaces, ideal for high-quality decorative finishes.
Composition
Clay primer paste made from natural clays and free of binders.
How to use
The surface to be treated must be carefully prepared beforehand, perfectly clean, dry, and smooth, free of dust, impurities, or surface irregularities that could compromise the quality of the gilding. Since it is a binder-free product, the bole must be used after adding a protein-based bonding agent to ensure proper adhesion to the substrate. The compound is prepared by diluting it with a solution consisting of approximately 90–95 g of water, 2–3% rabbit glue, and 45 g of bole. A rabbit glue with a higher bloom requires a lower amount of glue for the same amount of other ingredients, and vice versa. The indicated proportions can be customized and adjusted according to the desired consistency and yield. Once prepared, the product is applied with a brush in thin, even layers, taking care to maintain a regular and controlled distribution of the material, in order to obtain a continuous surface that is adequately prepared for the subsequent processing phases. During the application phase, it is important to operate in suitable environmental conditions and monitor the product's humidity level, as the metal leaf must be applied when the bole is still sufficiently moist to allow proper adhesion. The applied product tends to dry in an average of about two hours, varying depending on the environmental conditions and the thickness of the applied layer, allowing for any subsequent finishing and burnishing operations.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, closed in its container, and away from direct sources of light and heat. The ideal environment should have temperatures between 15 and 25°C and relative humidity no higher than 50%.
Further information
The dilution percentage, application method, and amount of product applied can significantly affect the working time and final result. It is recommended to conduct application tests to determine the most suitable operating conditions based on the substrate, environmental conditions, and the desired aesthetic effect, in order to optimize product performance and ensure the quality of the gilding.