The gold leaf is a very thin sheet of precious metal beaten repeatedly; generally, it is sold in rolls or sheets and is used to decorate frames, books and even food. Gilding is the process of applying this material, it requires specific tools, such as a clinging agent and a gilding cushion, and is developed in numerous stages to glue the delicate leaf. However, it is an easy job to master; all you need is an object to decorate and a little patience.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Object
Step 1. Cover the areas you don't want to brown
If you do not want to cover the whole object with gold leaf, protect the surfaces that must remain natural with adhesive paper tape. This way, both the mission and the metal foil adhere only to the areas you want to decorate. Since the glue of the masking tape is not very strong, you can remove it without damaging anything.
Step 2. Sand the rest of the object
Use a piece of sandpaper to treat the exposed surfaces until they become smooth. Use a dust rag to remove any residue from this operation.
Step 3. Apply the primer
Use a specific gilding product. Its function is to create, together with the mission, a sticky surface that permanently retains the gold leaf; it is also available in a colored version to hide any visible defects. If you decide to use a normal primer, you must first apply a pigmented paint (called a bole).
Step 4. Smear the mission with a brush
Wait at least half an hour for it to dry and become transparent; after this time the substance is still sticky to the touch but rather dry. It will remain in this condition for several hours, giving you plenty of time to apply the gold leaf.
- An alternative method of testing the mission's adhesive power is to slide the knuckle across the surface; if you feel a screech, the substance is ready for the application of the foil.
- While the mission dries, clean the gilder's pillow.
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning the Gilder Pillow
Step 1. Get the gilder's pillow
It is used for cutting the leaf and is made with a piece of leather kept stretched over a block of wood; the leather provides a soft surface on which the gold foil does not tear.
Step 2. Open the pumice stone powder package
Take a small amount using the gilding knife - it should be enough to cover the tip of the blade for the first 25mm. Slowly bring the tool onto the pillow.
Step 3. Degrease the pillow
Sprinkle the powder on the surface using the long edge of the blade; distribute an even layer by "spreading" it back and forth. Continue like this until you have covered the entire surface; the powder absorbs any greasy residue that would make the gold leaf stick to the leather.
Step 4. Remove excess dust
Use the flat side of the blade and scrape off the extra pumice. Go gently and wipe the gilding knife thoroughly with a rag to get rid of any residue.
Part 3 of 3: Apply the Gold Leaf
Step 1. Cut the leaf into smaller pieces
This makes it easier to apply; hold the foil on the gilder pillow making sure the matte side (the back) is facing up. Apply gentle pressure with the blade to start cutting; you should proceed with this operation while you wait for the mission to dry.
Step 2. Remove the leaf from the protective film
Do this while she is still resting on the pillow; carefully insert the tip of the knife between the leaf and the protective layer. Keep this fabric film to polish the gold leaf during application. Alternatively:
- Spread the foil and film over the surface of the object; make sure the back is facing you.
- Polish the leaf with a brush or your fingers.
- Peel off the film carefully.
- Blow on the metal to help it flatten just enough for you to manipulate.
Step 3. Apply the foil to the object
Adheres only to sticky areas of the surface; if the precious sheet does not cover the entire width, you can simply arrange the fragments in a grid.
Don't worry if it seems to overlap in some places; you can remove the excess gold leaf later
Step 4. Smooth the metal
Spread the protective film on the gold leaf; use your index finger to gently buff the foil and remove air bubbles, while holding the foil to avoid tearing or scratching the gold.
Step 5. Brush the surface
Use a soft gilding bristle brush to make sure the leaf adheres perfectly to the object forming a smooth layer; carefully move it back and forth to get rid of excess metal fragments. The object should look like gold and not coated with the leaf.
Step 6. Look for imperfections
This means paying attention to holes or places where the foil has not adhered. Apply shards to cover them; smooth and brush them before moving on to the final step.
Step 7. Seal the gold leaf
Apply an acrylic top coat to protect the material from damage from dust, ultraviolet light, water and even use; let the sealant dry for five hours.
If you have covered perishable items such as food, this step is not necessary
Step 8. Polish the object
This is optional, but gives the surface an antique look. Apply the oil finish with a dry brush, moving it in straight lines over the entire surface; when finished, wipe off the excess product with a soft dustproof cloth.
