How to Preserve Gold Embroidery Thread

Two Methods:Isinglass and Wine SpiritsWine Spirits and Mastic Varnish



Gold thread can be found in many forms on old and new embroidery pieces, including brocade, and it is important to take good care of it to ensure that such valuable embroidery pieces are kept in top condition.




The two methods provided here are very old methods and each is said to preserve gold for a good while. Please feel free to add more modern methods that you are aware of to make this as complete an article as possible.

Method 1
Isinglass and Wine Spirits

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    Make a mixture of isinglass dissolved in wine spirits.
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    Brush this over the thread or braid.
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    Hang the over something to dry. Avoid touching the thread with your hands.

Method 2
Wine Spirits and Mastic Varnish

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    Mix together wine spirits and mastic varnish until very thin.
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    Paint this on with a brush.
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    Hang to dry as in the steps above for Method One.

Tips

  • The main wine spirit is brandy.
  • Mastic varnish is a varnish available through artist supply stores. It can be hard to come by, so ask at quality art stores.

Things You'll Need

  • Isinglass and wine spirits for method 1
  • Small, fine paintbrush
  • Mastic varnish and wine spirits for method 2

Sources and Citations

  • Sourced from Grace Christie, Embroidery and Tapestry Weaving, (1912) available in the public domain via Project Gutenberg. The eBook used for the source of this article is available for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever.

Article Info

Categories: Needlecraft