Reverse glass gilding processes range in their complexity, and can be applied in combination to achieve numerous visual effects, eg David A. Smith's Ludlow & Blunt creation. They can also seem somewhat mysterious, especially to newcomers.

In this informative video overview, designer and artist Pat Minervini, talks through the glass and gilding techniques used to create a pair of decorative panels for Gretsch Guitars. It starts with a pencil drawing that is vectorised, before executing a number of processes, including: brilliant cutting; acid etching; glue chipping; silvering; oil gilding; engine turning; and stipple blending.

Pat made the video to help answer the questions he gets about creating his glass pieces, and it is therefore presented in simple terms which help to understand the reverse glass gilding processes involved.

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As the video shows, Pat has used his talents in design and custom furniture fabrication to develop his own set up, and some specialist tools, some of which are available in his online shop.

He learned many of the reverse glass gilding processes in the video from David A. Smith who runs in-person workshops and an online course for those interested in learning more about these techniques.

Decorative glass panel with gold, silver and red paint. It reads "Gretsch 125 year anniversary, 1883–2008".
The sister panel to the one produced in the video. The red colour scheme is inspired by George Harrison's custom Gretsch guitar, and the green one above is modelled on Bono's.
Thank you to Pat Minervini for taking the time to share this project, and for producing this informative video about reverse glass gilding processes. You can learn more about Pat and his work at the PM Designs LLC website.

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