Fascia & Exterior
Traditional Craftsmanship
Hand-Painted Signs & Bespoke Gold-Leaf.
We design and craft enduring shopfronts, gilded windows, and painted lettering that command attention and elevate your business presence.
The Studio
Brush & Gild is dedicated to the preservation and practice of traditional signwriting. Moving away from modern vinyl and digital prints, we believe in the longevity and character of paint applied by hand.
Every letter is carefully constructed, every sheet of gold leaf applied with precision. We work closely with business owners to create signage that feels authentic, bold, and entirely unique to their trade.
Discover The Craft
Featured Work
Full Portfolio →
Gold Leaf
Glass Window Gilding
Projecting Signs
Painted Wood Hanging Sign
Custom Lettering
Bespoke Typography For Menus
Our Services
Focused entirely on traditional methods, we provide bespoke lettering and restoration tailored to your environment.
Hand-Painted Shopfronts
Transform your business exterior with beautifully crafted, durable painted fascias. We work directly onto wood, masonry, or existing panels, ensuring the lettering matches the architectural character of your building.
- Traditional layout and layout design
- Exterior grade enamels for durability
- Masonry, wood, and metal surfaces
Reverse Glass Gilding
The pinnacle of traditional signwriting. Using 23ct gold leaf applied to the inside of your windows, we create brilliant, reflective lettering that catches the light and adds unparalleled elegance to your entryway.
- 23ct loose gold leaf application
- Matte and mirror gold finishes
- Painted outlines and cast shadows
The Craft
A meticulous process from the first sketch to the final brushstroke.
01
Design & Composition
Every sign begins on paper. We evaluate the scale, viewing distance, and architectural context before developing a custom typographic layout that ensures readability and aesthetic harmony.
02
Preparation & Pouncing
The finalized design is transferred to the surface using a traditional technique called pouncing, where a perforated paper pattern is dusted with chalk, leaving a precise guide for the brush.
03
Painting & Gilding
Using specialized signwriting brushes and high-pigment enamels, the letters are painted entirely freehand. For gilded signs, a clear size is applied, followed by delicate sheets of gold leaf, brushed to a brilliant finish.
Make Your Mark
A hand-painted shopfront signals quality, permanence, and attention to detail. It tells your customers that you care about your trade as much as we care about ours. We partner with cafes, retail spaces, pubs, and independent businesses to create signage that sets them apart.
Commission A Sign
Client Stories
The Corner Roasters
Cafe Fascia & Windows
"The gold leaf on our front window completely changed the presence of our cafe. It catches the morning sun beautifully. The entire process was professional, and the craftsmanship is simply unmatched."
Smith & Sons
Heritage Restoration
"We needed our original 1920s shopfront restored. Brush & Gild understood the historical context perfectly and matched the original typography with incredible precision. A true asset to local heritage."
Oakhill Bookshop
Hanging Sign & Lettering
"Moving away from a cheap plastic sign to a hand-painted wooden board was the best decision for our store. It feels welcoming and authentic. Highly recommend their work to any independent business."
Common Queries
Questions about our process, pricing, or timeline? Here are a few details to help you understand how we work.
Have a specific project?
We are based in Kilkenny and take commissions for distinct business signage.
hello@brushandgild.ieHow long does a sign take to complete?
Lead times depend on the scale of the project and current studio schedule. Design usually takes 1-2 weeks, while the physical painting and drying of enamels require additional time. Most shopfront projects are completed within 4-6 weeks from initial inquiry.
How durable is gold leaf on glass?
Reverse glass gilding is applied to the inside of the window, protecting the gold from weather and direct contact. When cared for properly—avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive scratching—it will last decades without losing its brilliance.
Do you paint on existing shopfront panels?
Yes. We often restore and paint over existing wooden fascias or masonry. The surface will be thoroughly prepped, sanded, and primed before any new lettering is applied to ensure a lasting bond and smooth finish.