The gold is hammered into a thin foil and sold in sheets or rolls.It can be used to decorate picture frames.The process of applying gold leaf is called gilding.It requires specialized supplies, such as a leather gilding cushion, and involves several steps involving sticky and delicate materials.gilding is easy to master.An object to gild and some patience are all you need.
Step 1: You don't want togild those areas.
If you don't want togild your entire object, use painter's tape to cover the parts you want ungilded.The areas where you want the sizer and gold leaf to be are where this will keep them.The tape isn't very strong so you can easily remove it.
Step 2: Take the rest of the surface and sand it.
The areas that don't have painter's tape can be covered with a piece of sand paper.Continue until the surface is smooth.Dust created by sanding can be removed with a tack cloth.
Step 3: The object should beprimed.
It's a good idea to use a primer for gilding.Gilder's primer can be used to form a tacky surface that will hold gold leaf.It hides any flaws that might remain after the leaf is applied.If you use regular primer, you will need to apply a base layer of paint called a bole before applying the primer.
Step 4: Use a paintbrush to apply the gilding sizer.
Wait at least 30 minutes for the sizer to dry.The sizer is sticky to the touch at this point.It will stay tacky for several more hours, giving you time to apply the gold leaf.glide your knuckle down the surface of the object is an alternative way of testing tackiness.It is ready for the gold leaf if you can hear a sound.The gilding cushion needs to be cleaned while the sizer is drying.
Step 5: The gilding cushion needs to be removed.
The gold leaf is cut using a gilding cushion.There is a wooden block and leather stretched over it.The smooth surface of the leather will not tear the leaf.
Step 6: You can open the package.
Take a small amount with the gilding knife.The first inch of the blade should be covered by this.Bring the knife to the gilding cushion slowly.
Step 7: The gilding cushion needs to be degreased.
Use the long edge of the blade to spread the powder over the cushion.Move the blade back and forth to distribute the powder across the cushion.Continue until the entire surface is covered.This will keep the leaf from sticking to the cushion.
Step 8: Excess powder should be removed.
Remove the remaining powder from the cushion by using the flat side of the blade.There is leftover powder from the cushion.Thoroughly wipe the blade with a cloth.
Step 9: The gold leaf should be cut into smaller pieces.
It will be easier to apply.The leaf should be on the gilding cushion.The side with the backing should be face-up.Put pressure on the blade of the knife to begin cutting.While you wait for the sizer to dry, you should do this.
Step 10: The leaf should be removed from the backing.
The leaf is still laying on the cushion.To insert the knife between the leaf and backing is a common way to do this.The tissue paper should be kept for burnishing the leaf.The leaf and backing can be laid on the object.You should face the backing side.You can burn the leaf with a brush.The paper should be pulled away.There is a gold leaf.It will be encouraged to lay flat.
Step 11: The gold leaf should be placed on the object.
The tacky areas of the surface are where it will stick.You can arrange the pieces in a grid pattern if your sheets of leaf don't cover the entire width of the surface.Don't worry if areas overlap.You can remove them later.
Step 12: The leaf needs to be smooth.
The tissue paper should be on top of the leaf.To burnish the leaf and remove air pockets, use your index finger.If you scratch the leaf, keep the paper still.
Step 13: The leaf needs brushing.
To make the leaf stick to the object, use a soft gilder's brush.You can move in a back-and-forth motion.The excess leaf can be removed with the movement of the brush.The object should look like gold rather than gold leaf.
Step 14: Look for flaws.
There are holes where the gold leaf didn't adhere.To cover them, apply small bits of leaf.Before moving to the final step, smooth and brush the new bits.
Step 15: The gold leaf should be sealed.
Apply a top coat.The leaf can be damaged due to handling, dust, water and ultraviolet light.The seal should be dry for five hours.The top coat is not necessary if yougilding food.
Step 16: The object needs to be glazed.
The optional step will give the surface an antique look.The glaze should be applied using a dry paintbrush.Go back and forth as you move across the surface.A soft dust cloth can be used to wipe off excess glaze.