What would be the best clearcoat to use over gold leaf? I use FirstStep as a primer and then topcoat with Sherwin Williams DTM high gloss(acrylic waterbased). Then I'll be using LeFranc oil size and 23k patent gold (Michael Boone sent a couple of books for me to try). I've never laid a piece of gold leaf in my life so, any input would be appreciated.
I"M EXCITED ABOUT IT and ready to get started.
Thanks
Posted by bronzeo (Member # 1408) on :
Wayne, I don't use anything. First you don't need anything, second the gold will not tarnish (only slightly patina which improves it), third touchups are quick and easy if left uncoated. I personally think you take away as much as half of the effectivness of the gold if you coat it. I usually have to walk up close, to see if coated gold is real or fake. You will not need to do that with natural uncoated gold. JMHO. Jack
Posted by John Arnott (Member # 215) on :
Wayne, You don't have to clearcoat gold! It us a real non-tarnishing metal! If You put it on a vehicle that is constantly washed and polished, then a urathane clear coat (brushed on)is need to protect it. It should be clear coated the next day after it is gilded. So it dosn't wrinkle the size. Now go gild EVERYTHING so people will see it and ask for it! have fun John Arnott
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
OK Thanks Jack and John.
Posted by Kent Smith (Member # 251) on :
I only reccommend clearcoats additionally to what the others said for applications subject to abrasion and direct public access. The urethanes mentioned should be two component and optically clear, preferrably urethane/acrylic compound. To avoid a dark patina, use 23.5K to 23.75K, typically look for alloys without silver content. Purple to black discoloring indicates too much silver and blue to green indicates too much copper. Also a caution that pure gold, 24K, is too soft for exterior as the surface can be damaged merely by rain.
