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We are working on one of our first real gold leaf jobs and I was hoping to get some feed back from the pros!
We are applying FOAB patent 23 kt gold sheets to One shot fast dry size on a sandblasted HDU sign.
We applied the size directly on the high build primer - is this a no no? Should it be applied to enamel for best results. The result looks good but I was hoping the gold would be shinier.
Should the gold be clear coated or waxed to help it stand up in the elements?
Any comments GREATLY appreciated, Brian
[ October 08, 2002, 01:14 PM: Message edited by: Steve Shortreed ]
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EEEGAAAADSS!!!.... WAX NEVER!... CLEARCOAT NO! the quick answers are... 1. Yes paint on top of the primer before the gold size (2coats). And give it ample time to dry. 2. Unless your gilding will be exposed to abuse... like gilded letters on a truck door... sign gilding never should be covered up. Applied propperly it will outlast the sign itself!. Only clear over vehicle gold leaf as a means of protection. 3. As for shine.... preperation is the key... a nices smooth well dried background. I always use a slow set size with an extended tack time.... once the gold is laid in lightly burnish with nice clean cotton, over time the weather will actually enhance the gilding. And remember "Quality has no fear of time" ... if you have to rush on a sign job of this quality.... call and get more time to complete it propperly.
-------------------- "No excuses!.... No regrets!..."
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I am far from an expert in the gilding area but what I have learned is that a dull finish comes from applying the gold to soon. Also a long slow set size will give you a better finish. I believe you are okay with the primer finish, I like to apply over an finished enamel - it just seems to go down easier.
-------------------- Brian Stoddard Northwest Signs
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Ditto on Stephen Faulkner's comments regarding the prep and the topcoats. I like to use a size mixture that is 1/3 Chrome yellow lettering enamel and 2/3 LaFranc Slow size. This is usually a 12 hour size with about a 20 hour window. Check the proper tack before gilding. If it is too tacky it will "drown" the gold - leaving a dull finish instead of a high luster one.
I use a burnishing brush and a piece of nylon lingere (spell?) fabric - you know the stuff slips and ladies nightgowns were made of - for cleaning and burnishing the gold. I don't like cotton because it scratches the gold and leaves little cotton fibers everywhere.
At this point you should probably wait a week or so for the "old" gild to cure, then start over with a new coat of size right on top of the old gild. Good Luck.
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Brian, I notice in the photo that the surface below the gold is textured. It really has to be flat as glass to produce the flashy gilds. Its kind of like enamel looks better on a car hood than it does on cement. Also you will get a lot more good out of carving a shallow V into your copy and leaving to carve facets to refract the light in different directions. It will shine that way from anywhere you stand and seem to move when you move your position. It looks like you have done a very neat job the wrong way, but you can fix it, and you will be very happy you did. Jack
On second look, the copy is too scripty for that type of carve so I would use the rounding off of method with sandpapers. It is reasonably easy to do but a bit time consuming. It will provide a desired result. The photos below describe both methods. I wish I had closer shots of them, but they should help describe what I speak of.
-------------------- "Don't change horses in midstream, unless you spot one with longer legs" bronzeo oti Jack Davis 1410 Main St Joplin, MO 64801 www.imagemakerart.com jack@imagemakerart.com Posts: 1549 | From: Joplin, MO | Registered: Mar 2000
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You can also apply TC or PB Resin to the areas being gilded. Really smooooooth surface to gild on. Also, I use a small piece of chamois to burnish with. I buy one of the good ones, usually about 20 bucks, then cut into small pieces. Gives a really nice shine and look. But I aint no expert.
-------------------- Maker of fine signs and other creative stuff. Located at 109 N. Cumberland ave. Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-837-0242 Posts: 4172 | From: Ages-Brookside, Ky. Up the Holler... | Registered: Jul 1999
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Thanks very much to everyone who replied. The information is very much appreciated and has helped a great deal with this project and future ones.
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