Gilding a Sunny, Sweaty, Frosty Window

[Bruce Buckley]

Hello all,

Long time, no post... but I'm always checking this board for the latest. I would like to pick everyone's brains for some ideas on how best to tackle some reverse gilding on a store window facing south. Not only does it take a beating from the sun all day, but it's single pane glass that is prone to sweating and frosting in the winter. As if that weren't enough, the store owner has one of those dark translucent shades he likes to pull down behind the window to block the sun. I'm afraid any kind of painted and gilded lettering would be doomed to a premature demise under such harsh conditions. Of course, there's always (if you'll pardon the expression) vinyl, but I'd really like to make gold leaf work if at all possible. Any advice on how I could best proceed to give traditional reverse gilded lettering the longest life possible? I've attached a photo layout to show you the window and what lettering I'd like to execute. Thanks!

[Jack Hollands]

Bruce Jackson backed a gilded window with copper leaf to dissipate heat from the strong Australian sunshine. You could try that with a good pencil varnish.