"Since the onset of a picture frame history, as we know it, frames have always been gilded. The making of the gilded frames for Arthur Lloy's paintings is a process taking approximately 12 days and involves nearly 20 different steps. Starting with milled basswood it is cut and joined using both screws and glue. The screw holes and any imperfections in the wood are then filled, and if carving is required it is applied at this time. The frame then undergoes a complete sanding. Using a brush, the raw wood is lightly coated with rabbit skin glue and sprayed with 2 coats of gesso and undergoes another sanding. This process is repeated and the frame is sprayed with 4 additional coats of gesso. The frame is then sprayed with a thin coat of red clay and then sanded once more. Two additional coats of red clay are applied and a final sanding with a 1000 grit sponge completes the preparation process. The frame, now ready for gilding, is treated with a solution (sizing) of rabbit's glue, distilled water, and alcohol. While the sizing is still tacky the 22k gold leaf is carefully applied sheet by sheet. The final step, after a specific period of time, the gold is then carefully burnished with an agate stone to attain the finish desired."