blotspens: Burnishers

Basket | Checkout | Items Ordered: , Cart Value:

Gilding > Burnishers

Burnishers

Haematite (a high grade iron ore) is the ideal burnisher.Unfortunately they are not easily obtained and are expensive. Haematite looks black but is actually red and commonly called a 'bloodstone'. It remains dry even in humid conditions, and skates over the gold while creating a brilliant polish. It disperses static so gold does not readily stick to it.
Psilomelanite is widely used because it has comparatively few flaws and is less wasteful in manufacture than haematite. Its colour is essentially black. They must be kept scrupulously clear of grease - no touching with your fingers!
Agate (a semi-precious stone) is cheaply and widely available as a polishing stone but it has the disadvantage of absorbing moisture from the atmosphere. Pencil and dog-tooth burnishers made of agate are perfectly adequate. A dog tooth burnisher (No 21 is a reasonable size) is sufficient to start with and perhaps a pencil burnisher (No 12). The haematite burnisher (No 99) is a very versatile tool particularly for raised gilding. Click here for a chart of burnishers (Adobe pdf file) available to order. Phone or fax if you want to order a burnisher not listed below.
Tip: Always replace the burnisher in its felt pouch and never put it into your pen box or leave it lying on the desk - the smallest of scratches will gradually build up and cause the burnisher to 'pull'. Cleanliness is vital - nearly everybody wants to 'feel' the smooth stone and leave an invisible layer of grease with their fingers - don't let anyone touch them ! Before working breathe on the burnisher and polish it with a piece of silk.

Agate Burnisher No 12
Fine Pencil Agate Burnisher

Price: £15.99 / $25.58

Quantity:

Agate Burnisher No 21
'Dog Tooth' Agate Burnisher

Price: £19.99 / $31.98

OUT OF STOCK

Calligraphy Burnisher
Haematite 'lipstick' shaped burnisher.

This high quality haematite burnisher is extremely flexible in use having a flat face and a fine edge. It must be kept scrupulously clear of grease or it will 'pull' the gold leaf. LIST PRICE £62.50

Price: £54.00 / $86.40

Quantity:

Felt Pocket-Long Price: £2.75 / $4.40	Quantity:
Felt bag with drawstring to protect burnisher.

Product Sections

Store Information