Two months ago I posted a picture of the carved & gilded sign I'd done, double-sided, latex background, one-shot & gilded letters. It's been up about a month. To my shock yest., I noticed that the gilding is flaking off! The sign is mounted on a bracket and perpendicular to the road, about 6' from the road and only the side facing the traffic is having problems- the "back" is still fine. I realize I'll be regilding, but what happened & would clearing it help the next time? Thanks!
Posted by Jill Marie Welsh (Member # 1912) on :
Could it be because of the sun? I'm no gold expert, but that's what came to mind. Sorry you have a problem, Cat. Love....Jill
Posted by KARYN BUSH (Member # 1948) on :
what kind of size did you use? and no gold usually doesn't have to be cleared...you'll find the clear failing b4 the gold.
Posted by Gene Golden (Member # 3934) on :
Catherine, As Jill mentioned, is it also the sunny side? My only guess, without actually seeing it, is that the moisture from the latex paint has been drawn out and popped the gild. Perhaps it hadn't cured enough and there was moisture trapped behind the gold.
The traffic should be no concern.
Check to see where it is failing... the primer, latex final coat, OneShot layer, the gold leaf size or the gold itself. Whichever layer is failing, the layer preceding it will most likely be the culprit. In other words, if the gold is flaking, the size was probably to blame. If the size is lifting, it is probably the final coat that was contaminated...
[ June 22, 2005, 08:29 AM: Message edited by: Gene Golden ]
Posted by Tony Vickio (Member # 2265) on :
Hi Catharine, in my twenty years of gilding, I "once", had the same problem you are describing. I cured the problem by never using latex paint again. You can't find a can of the stuff in my shop. Do Not clear.
Posted by Bill Lynch (Member # 3815) on :
I agree, check the flake to see what layer didn't adhere, anf there will be the answer. I'm also willing to bet it's the latex coat or primer. Clearing will not help this problem.
Posted by Catharine C. Kennedy (Member # 4459) on :
Yes, it's the south facing side- and probably the latex ( NOT my idea- customer's paint to match the house) If I wait awhile before regilding, will the latex have aired our (or erred out) sufficiently? Thanks
Posted by John Deaton III (Member # 925) on :
Ive gilded several signs with a latex base and have had no problems as of yet. Im not disagreeing with you all, just providing another viewpoint. If its real close to the road, and theres alot of traffic such as big trucks, etc. it could be constant bombardment from sand and dirt causing it to flake off. Just a different take on the problem. Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
We've been using 100% acrylic for years under gold and had no problems. Possibly a combination of sun, debris from vehicles, and maybe even a poor quality paint may have been the cause, but then it should have effected both sides.
Like John, I'm not putting Tony down, we've just had a different experience with latex paints, and since he has materials that work for him, that's fine. Different strokes for different folks.
[ June 22, 2005, 07:05 PM: Message edited by: Raymond Chapman ]
Posted by Darryl Gomes (Member # 98) on :
I gilded a steel mailbox a while ago and noticed the same thing. I washed it with "Pre-Kleeno", dried and primed with automotive primer, painted with one-shot with hardener, gilded and then cleared with automotive clear. The "traffic" side is all pitted, flaking and rusted. The other side is like it was painted yesterday. I would say this failure is due to road abuse similar to yours.
Posted by William Holohan (Member # 2514) on :
Catherine, Did the latex the owner supplied happen to be Behr brand from Home Depot? If so, enough said.
Posted by Jill Marie Welsh (Member # 1912) on :
....I've had problems with guilt ever since Catholic school..... Sorry.... Love....Jill
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