Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to determine the requirement and to prepare and apply gilding techniques to picture frames. These may be existing frames requiring repair or restoration or new frames.

Application of the unit 

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for work

1.1. Work to be completed is identified from work instruction, customer request or artwork is assessed as requiring a gilded frame

1.2. Frame requiring gilding is examined to identify whether new gilding, preservation or restoration techniques are required

1.3. Gilding technique or techniques to be applied is determined

1.4. Workplace health and safety requirements, including personal protection needs, are observed throughout the work

1.5. Tools, equipment and materials are selected and checked prior to use to ensure that they are appropriate for the finishing task in terms of quality, serviceability and safety

1.6. Gilding materials and any associated finishes required are identified and assembled for the gilding task

1.7. Work sequence is planned to suit the job

2. Prepare for gilding

2.1. Frame surfaces are checked for contamination and correct preparation according to workplace procedures and standards

2.2. Frames with surface or other faults are identified and faults reported or repaired as appropriate

2.3. Techniques for application of materials identified and used according to industry standards and workplace practices

2.4. Faults are identified and workplace procedures for rectification are followed

2.5. Composition (Compo) work is completed as required to meet specifications in accordance with workplace procedures

3. Apply gilding

3.1. Apply gilding according to job instructions and workplace procedures, which may include:

3.1.1. choice of substrate

3.1.2. surface preparation

3.1.3. selection of bole or poliment

3.1.4. selection and application of size

3.1.5. selection and application of leaf

3.1.6. patination of finish

3.1.7. sealing of leaf

3.2. Final finish is checked in accordance with workplace requirements

3.3. Rectification of surface faults are made as required

3.4. Ornamentation is applied as required in accordance with job instructions and workplace procedures

3.5. Products are inspected and approved for suitability for further processing with defective frames being handled in accordance with workplace procedures

4. Complete work

4.1. Tools and equipment are cleaned and inspected for serviceable condition and stored appropriately

4.2. Unused material is returned to store in accordance with workplace procedures

4.3. Work area is cleaned and returned to approved condition

4.4. Workplace documentation is completed

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• collect, organise and understand information related to work orders, basic plans, and safety procedures
• communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with work supervisor, other workers and customers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
• plan and organise activities, including the preparation and layout of the work area and the obtaining of equipment and materials to avoid any backtracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
• work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
• use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate quantities and estimate material requirements
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate finishing problems, avoid re-working and damage
• use the workplace technology related to the application of gilding techniques to picture frames, including tools, equipment and finishes

Required knowledge 

• the techniques and application of gilding
• methods, characteristics and problems of application
• workflow in relation to gilding operations
• identification of equipment, processes and procedures
• understand the effect of this process on the artwork

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence 

• Identify gilding to be performed, the technique to be used and the means by which this is to be achieved
• Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment, safety and environmental protection equipment
• Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:

• minimise the risk of injury to self and others
• prevent damage to goods, equipment and products
• maintain required production output and product quality

• As a minimum:

• determine gilding technique and refurbish an existing gilded frame
• using differing techniques/materials, prepare and gild two new frames

• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Resource implications 

Gilding equipment, work area, metallic leaf, other finishing materials and frames to be gild finished.

Method of assessment 

Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.

Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and questioning on underpinning knowledge.

Assessment should be conducted over time and may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency which form a part of the job role.

Context of assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant gilding equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Apply gilding techniques 

• The application of metallic leaf to picture frames. Leaf may be gold, silver, platinum, etc. in varying alloys, shlagmetal (brass) in varying alloys, copper and aluminium
• Techniques may be new work (based on contemporary artwork contained or decorative furnishing needs) or existing frame (either restoration/preservation needs)
• Techniques for application may include:

• oil
• size
• quick size (acrylic)
• water gilding based on the reactivation of the glue in the bole layer
• new techniques such as Kolnar gilding

Compo work 

Compo work is concerned with the ornamentation of frames for gilding. It may involve:

• its manufacture
• taking of moulds from existing frames
• repair of broken/missing ornamentation

Gilding 

Gilding may be accompanied by one or more other finishes. These may include:

• silver gilt
• distemper
• japanning
• bronze
• aluminium and other powders (as in wax and flash gilding)
• use of aniline dyes and pigments and casein and verre eglomise (gilding and black lacquer on glass)

Patination of finishes may be chemical, stained, painted, varnished or distemper

The maintenance of original finishes on historic pieces may require the removal of overpainting

Frames 

• Picture frames requiring gilding may be new or old, requiring repair and/or restoration
• Gilded picture frames will normally be of timber with compo or carved (rare) ornamentation. Some ornamentation may be moulded (Italian), carton pierre or papier mache

Tools and equipment may include :

• gilder's cushion
• gilder's knife
• gilder's tip
• brushes and agate burnishing stones

Materials may include but are not limited to :

• size (parchment or rabbit skin)
• whiting (chalk)
• bole (wet or dry)
• ethanol and brandy)
• gilding oil
• gold leaf
• shlagmetal Dutchmetal)
• alloy and aluminium leaf
• glue
• rosin
• turpentine
• shellac and varnish colours and chemicals for patination such as potassium sulphide

Personal protection equipment 

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices. As many of the materials used in gilding are toxic, gloves, eye protection and protective clothing should be worn.

Information and procedures 

• Manufacturer specifications and operational procedures
• Workplace procedures relating to the setting up and applying gilding techniques
• Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
• Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

Unit sector 

Picture Framing

Competency field 

Co-requisite units