Metal leaf size / application tips

[SVB]

Hi,

On the next project I’m planning I would like to use some metal leaf (not real gold) for some decorative elements.

I have in mind picking some shapes out with leaf on a surface. It will be purely ‘on a shelf’ decorative item so frequent handling / wear should not be an issue.

Any tips on size people find easy to work with or any more general tips / thinks I should keep in mind?

Thanks

Simon

 

[Honest John]

I’ve done a little bit of this Simon. I bought my size from an artists materials shop in Bolton. Can’t rem ember the name of the shop but he has a big internet presence. If I remember correctly it was necessary to brush out the size well to ensure an even coat without ridges or lumps. It is vital of course to only put the size where you want the leaf to go.there is no room for error, and indeed this I found was the most difficult part of the procedure. The leaf that comes with a backing paper I found easier to deal with. The size requires time to dry to a slight tack, and this can take half an hour or more. Once the leaf touches the size it’s game over, it cannot be moved. After leaving this to fully dry I once tried to clean up an edge with a skew, but this didn’t end well. I concluded that though this process seemed simple if certain rules were followed, it took skill and practice to accomplish a great result. Although I haven’t tried it but it is possible (I think) to clean up margins with skews or gouges, perhaps leaving the project longer than I did for the size to dry fully. If you are not using gold you may find it beneficial to give a coat of lacquer to prevent any tarnishing. I’m absolutely no expert at this, and I apologise to you if your knowledge on this is greater than mine, but these were my experiences. If you have fun doing it it’s not time wasted whatever the result. Good luck.

 

[mrpercysnodgrass]

Gold size is sold in drying times from 1/2 hour to 24 hours. 1/2 hour size is also known as Japan size which is what you want. The longer the drying time the flatter the varnish will settle therefor the flatter and shinier your gold. There is not really any difference in the preparation between using real gold and schlag (brass leaf) You will need a coloured base and if you are inexperienced a yellow base is best as it will help to hide any defects. The base for the leaf is dependant on the finish, professional gilders if doing a high ceiling decoration will gild directly onto either a yellow or red eggshell paint, but if gilding a picture frame then it will be done properly with a gesso base covered in bole. Yellow in the recesses and red on the highlights.
For your piece you could mix some yellow artist oil paint into your size. Mixing the oil paint into the size will extend the drying time so you will have to test it from time to time. To test if the size is ready brush the hairs on the back of your hand (Im making no assumptions here across the size, if the varnish grabs and pulls your hair then it is ready to gild. If you get tears or holes don't worry you can go over the areas again pressing the leaf down and rubbing the backing paper with a ball of cotton wool. If you still have faults let the piece dry overnight and go over the process again.
As honest john said you will need to seal the leaf to help prevent tarnishing.
For my money I would use real 22 carat transfer leaf, it is not really any more difficult to handle (loose is an entirely different matter) it will not tarnish so you will not need to seal and can be buffed to a lovely sheen.
Below is the company I get my supplies from.
https://www.stonehouses.co.uk/gold-imit ... nsfer.html