The craft of the decorative painter consists of many different techniques. The techniques can be divided into three overlapping groups: glass processing, gilding and decorative work. A number of different techniques are:
Glass processing:
- Painting behind glass
- Etching glass
- Silvering glass
- Producing muslin glass
- Producing ice flower glass
- Inserting mother-of-pearl and abalone shell
- Sharpening glass
Gilding:
- Gilding behind glass
- Gilding of 3D objects
Decorative work:
- Letter painting
- Wood and marble imitations
- 3D letter
Erik Winkler from Schitterend from Diemen is a craftsman who controls all the above techniques. There is collaboration with specialized painters and interior and exterior restoration painters. There are also students and trainees present at Schitterend. Erik Winkler has an audience and customers, many of whom have restoration work done, such as the restoration of a sundial, the tower rooster, a wind vane or an old mural.
The craft of decorative painter consists of various techniques, some of which have been carried out since ancient times. For example, gilding glass is described in the book Il Libro dell'Arte from the 14th century by Cennino Cennini. Over the centuries, the techniques have been gradually improved and applied in different styles. The craft was transferred to the new generation from father to son or from master to student.
During the industrial revolution, a major leap was made with possible applications. After the Second World War, during the reconstruction, there was a need for rapid construction, with less attention for costly decoration. As the demand for decorative painting became less, fewer painters were trained.
In recent years there has been more appreciation for handicrafts and therefore also for traditional decorative painting techniques. The craft is nowadays also passed on through studies and courses. The craft is a living craft, because new materials and methods are used and people are constantly looking for new applications. The craftsman is experimenting with the acquired knowledge on new material, for example because some materials are no longer available.
