Skilled artisans from Conrad Schmitt Studios work to restore and preserve Our Lady. High above campus, perched atop layers of scaffolding, they gently wash the statue of Mary. A closer look reveals noticeable signs of wear since the previous gilding in 2005, nearly 20 years ago.
Once the statue has been cleaned, artisans smooth and prepare the surface with primer. The primer gives Mary a uniform color that also serves as an undertone for the gold leaf. This is a crucial step in the gilding process to ensure the successful application of the gold to the statue.
Gilding is an age-old technique where a very thin sheet of gold, or other metal leaf, is applied to a surface. Measuring a mere 3 microns in thickness, the gold leaf is finer than a single strand of hair. While that might seem minute, most gold-plated jewelry typically ranges from 2 to 5 microns thick. The gold leaf is carefully secured to wax paper scrolls, which are meticulously unwound and gradually applied to Mary’s surface during calm weather days.
The Dome and Mary are gilded in 23.75-karat gold, a standard weight among professional gilders. Lower-karat gold is blended with silver or bronze and has proven to be more resilient in outdoor settings. Experts suggest gold that is 21–23 grams per 1,000 leaves in weight for exterior gilding projects. This helps ensure that Our Lady’s golden layers maintain their luster for many years to come.
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