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I got some gold leaf sheets and sizing as part of a pinstriping paint set I recently bought. I've never used this stuff before, so I have questions: I assume you apply the sizing with a paintbrush, then rub the leaf over it with some type of nib. Am I correct on this? How long after laying down the sizing must you wait before rubbing on the gold? What is the maximum and minimum working time? I think I can clear coat over this with urethane - right or wrong? Do I HAVE to clear coat? Once I have my info together, I am going to practice on an aluminum sign blank, and on glass. What else will this stuff stick to? Thanks for any and all info.
-------------------- Ben Sherr Street Metal Custom Auto Art 3006 River Rd Hopewell, Va 23860 (804)452-1540 Bjay65@msn.com Posts: 77 | From: Hopewell, Virginia | Registered: Mar 2002
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Hey Ben...if you want to be serious about gold leaf...and in my opinion if your going to do it...then do it right, you need to learn from a master. There are several good books on the subject written by the pro's. one of my favorites is "Gold Leaf Techniques, by Kent H. Smith" Check it out.
Gold Rules!
-------------------- Jackson Smart Jackson's Signs Port Angeles, WA ...."The Straits of Juan De Fuca in my front yard and Olympic National Park in my backyard...
"Living on Earth is expensive...but it does include a free trip around the Sun" Posts: 1000 | From: Port Angeles, Washington | Registered: Jan 1999
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Good advice so far,...the trick to size is laying a smooth,thin, even coat without any heavy brush strokes.I always do a test spot in an inconspicuous place and use it to test for tack. Once the test area is dry enough to rub your knuckle gently and get a squeaky clean effect, and not affect the finish of the size the size is ready for the gold.Traditional technique calls for laying the gold with a gilders tip(a special brush for handleing gold ), and or with patent gold you just use the sheet of paper the gold is attached to.Once the gold has been adhered to the surface,surgical cotton and or velvet can be used to burnish the gold to the desired effect. Jackson has the right idea if you are serious about learning the art of gilding, it will be to your best interests to watch someone do it and read any trade manuals you can get your hands on,...not neccessarily in that order,...
-------------------- fly low...timi/NC is, Tim Barrow Barrow Art Signs Winston-Salem,NC Posts: 2224 | From: Winston-Salem,NC,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Sounds like there is a bit more to this than I originally thought. Maybe I'll set that stuff aside until I can get to a meet and watch someone and ask some questions.
-------------------- Ben Sherr Street Metal Custom Auto Art 3006 River Rd Hopewell, Va 23860 (804)452-1540 Bjay65@msn.com Posts: 77 | From: Hopewell, Virginia | Registered: Mar 2002
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Surface gilding isn't as difficult as we imagine. As Jackson said, get the book. It is worth it's weight in gold. It is clear and concise; very easy to follow.
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I have always said that leaning from the text alone is merely acquring the necessary background information from which to learn the gilding process. It is also a good reference text. It is equally important to take a class or workshop so that you can get the proper hands-on traning and critique so that you can develop proper skill which will be profitable skills.
-------------------- Kent Smith Smith Sign Studio P.O.Box 2385, Estes Park, CO 80517-2385 kent@smithsignstudio.com Posts: 1025 | From: Estes Park, CO | Registered: Nov 1998
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Good advice so far, but be aware that gilding on glass is a lot different than surface gilding. Window work as far as I know, requires a water size (the gelatin caps dissolved in water thing) it is done in reverse on the inside, and the differences don't end there.
Get whatever you can find in the book/instruction line and have fun.
-------------------- Bill Preston Fly Creek, N.Y. USA Posts: 943 | From: Fly Creek, N.Y. USA | Registered: Jan 2000
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Another plug for Kent's book. Also, try to make it to the national meet in Mars PA this August. I will be leading a surface gilding workshop that should be sufficient to get you going.
Remember, gold leaf is the pinnacle in sign making. Without trying to sound elitest, I contend that gold deserves our utmost respect and consideration. I brings together all of our skills and puts forth a product that amazes our customers as well as ourselves, commands the highest price, and sets us apart from hobbyists and amateurs.
Working with gold connects us to the ancient craftsmen like nothing else we do.
I hope you enjoy working with it.
Sincerely, Bruce Deveau
-------------------- Bruce Deveau 331 Main St. Amesbury, Ma USA 01913 Posts: 139 | From: Amesbury, MA USA | Registered: Jul 2000
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Ben, you can probably find Kent's book at your local library. My local library has 2 copies. If you can attend the Mars meet, definitely get in on Bruce's workshop. He's one of the best.
-------------------- Mike"Spud"Kelly zipperhead design Westminster, MA Posts: 367 | From: Westminster, MA | Registered: Mar 2001
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Raymond Leblanc wrote "Gold Leaf Techniques". Kent Smith merely updated a few of the things in the original book.
Have a great one!
-------------------- Bruce Bowers
DrCAS Custom Lettering and Design Saint Cloud, Minnesota
"Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things work out." - Art Linkletter Posts: 6451 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
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