Verre églomisé (say “vair ay-gloh-mee-ZAY”) is the traditional art of gilding the back of a piece of glass. The gold leaf sits behind the glass, so the design shines through the front with a bright, mirror-like finish while staying protected from the weather. The technique takes its name from Jean-Baptiste Glomy, an 18th-century French decorator. At our shop in Edgewater, Maryland, we use it for house numbers, window lettering, and logos on glass.
How We Practice Verre Églomisé
We lay genuine 23 karat gold leaf on glass by hand, using traditional water gilding rather than oil-based adhesives. First, we clean the glass carefully. Then we lay the leaf and back up the design, so it holds its shape and reads clearly from the front. The work takes patience, because the leaf is delicate and rushing can mean starting over. We can combine finishes, too, such as a matte gold interior with a mirror gold outline, as on this sample letter.
Transoms and House Numbers
Gilded glass is especially popular for house numbers above a front door. The gold catches the daylight and gives a historic home a classic look, which is why it’s a natural fit in a historic district. For example, we gilded numbers at 504 on antique glass and numbers at 712, both in Washington, DC. We also letter transoms in downtown Annapolis.
Verre Églomisé on Windows and Storefronts
Gold leaf on glass also lasts remarkably well on busy businesses. In fact, our gilding at McGarvey’s Saloon in Annapolis still looks good after more than 30 years. We’ve also gilded windows at the Mt. Washington Tavern in Baltimore and logos for Shinola in DC. One of our pieces, a set of gilded numbers with inlaid diamond details, is now on display at the Museum of the Gilding Arts.
See the Work
- 504 on antique glass in Washington, DC
- 712 on a glass transom in Washington, DC
- House numbers in downtown Annapolis
- McGarvey’s Saloon, 30 years later
- Gilded numbers at the Museum of the Gilding Arts
- Matte and mirror gold sample letter
Browse our full glass gilding category and our transom window house numbers page. Read more about gilding.
Contact Designs & Signs
Want gold leaf on your glass? Send us a message through our contact form, or call (410) 798-5115.