Gold leafing or gilding, is a form of art that reaches back into history for hundreds of years. Historically, the process did not involve the use of liquid gold paints. Artists throughout history used gold sheet that was made from 23 or 24 carat gold.
In today’s world of guilding, the cost of real gold would make the hobby entirely too expensive. So we use a cheaper process that creates a perfect simulation of the antique art of gold leafing. Schlagmetal, which is also sometimes referred to as composition leaf is made up of 85% copper and 15% zinc. It comes in packs of 25 sheets. Each sheet is interleaved with tissue and measures 140mm by 140mm.
Though there is no gold used in this version of guilding, the result is a likeness that has the same appearance. The trick is to make sure the metal is sealed before using it otherwise the copper may tarnish.
How To Prepare Your Surface:
Preparing the surface means to make sure it is clean, smooth, and dry. This means that any wax, dirt, or grease must be removed else the leafing will not bond to the surface properly. Using fine sand paper, sand away any uneven ridges on your surface.
If the surface is porous, it must be sealed and allowed to dry completely. After drying the surface can be sanded using 220 grit sandpaper. The goal is to create a smooth, even surface.
Today, technology has replaced the old oil based size and sealer with easier to use water based acrylic products.
The 5 steps for antique gold leafing
Step 1: The Base Coat: Using a brush apply the Classic Venetian Red “Gold Leaf Base-coat” to the surface and allow to dry.
Step 2: Apply the Adhesive Size: Once the base coat is dry, apply the “Classic Gold Leaf Adhesive Size” in a thin, even layer.
Step 3: Apply the Leaf: Carefully apply the composition “Classic Gold Leaf” to the surface while wearing cotton gloves. If these are unavailable make sure your hands are clean by washing them and drying them.
Use a 50mm brush as a dabber to place the metal leaf onto the adhesive. This works best if the brush is held vertically. Overlapping the leaf is acceptable. Use sterile cotton or one of the interleaved sheets of tissue, to tamp the leafing into place. If you have gaps, cover those with a small section of leafing. Tamp with the cotton, never with your hands.
TIP: on projects that have a lot of scroll work or that have areas where gold leafing cannot be applied, dust those areas with bronzing gold powder to achieve the perfect finish.
Step 4: Apply the Glaze: Once the leaf is in place, apply a coat of “Classic Gold Leaf Antiquing Glaze” over the leaf. The trick here is also to wipe off any glaze from any surface area where you wish to create a highlight.
Step 5: Apply the Sealer. Once the glaze is dry, apply an even coat of the “Classic Leaf Satin Sealer” to the leafing.
Using grade 0000 steel wool, you can, if desired, create an antique effect by lightly sanding. Do not sand too much or you will damage the gold leafing. Sand just enough to create a colour difference on the surface of the leafing.
Supplies that you will need to complete this project:
- Sand Paper
- #5 water colour brush.
- 50mm soft paint brush
- Newspaper. This is used as cover, and protect the work surface,
- Cotton Batting. – Quilt batting is used to tamp down the leafing once it is applied to the adhesive. This keeps the surface of the leafing from being marred.
Sterile Cotton. This is used as a buffer, to burnish the gold leaf.