If you're looking for a project that will allow you to be creative, it's often a good idea to start with something in your home. For example, you can give an old picture frame new life in a variety of ways. One of these is to give it a golden finish, adding some luxury and antique character. It's easier than it might seem and in no time you too may know how to gold leaf like a pro.
Gilding, as the practice is better known, is an age-old art. Paper-thin sheets of metal are used to cover an object and give it a metallic, shiny finish. In the past, people used real gold that could be close to 100 percent pure. This is expensive, though, so today alternatives are often prefer. These include something called Dutch gold leaf, which looks like the real thing but consists of copper mixed with zinc.
Aside from the foil itself, you also need special gilder's base coat, top coat, glaze and adhesive. You should also have some sealer if you want to work with an object such as wood, which has a porous surface. Sandpaper, soft brushes, painter's tape, soft and clean cloth and a flat, smooth surface such as a tile are essential as well. You'll find that cotton balls and a bit of petroleum jelly come in handy too.
First smooth the surface you're planning on gilding and wipe away all dust. Then apply tape to the parts you don't want to cover. Apply a coat of sealer to porous surfaces such as wood.
Follow with the base coat and let it dry. Now comes the adhesive. In gilding circles, it's called a sizer.
Now it's time to start applying the foil. Cut it into smaller, more manageable pieces. Then remove it from its backing and place each piece on the tile or other flat surface. It will be easier to pick up the pieces if you use a cotton ball dabbed in petroleum jelly because the foil will lightly stick to this. When you apply the pieces, let them overlap so that there won't be any gaps showing through.
Use a brush and the cheesecloth to smoothen the metal over the surface. Work carefully, since the foil can crease or tear very easily. Check that the seams where pieces are overlapping don't show. Once you're done, apply a top coat to seal everything in and finish it off with a layer of glaze if you prefer. Let it dry, remove the painter's tape and you'll have a shimmering golden object.
Gilding, as the practice is better known, is an age-old art. Paper-thin sheets of metal are used to cover an object and give it a metallic, shiny finish. In the past, people used real gold that could be close to 100 percent pure. This is expensive, though, so today alternatives are often prefer. These include something called Dutch gold leaf, which looks like the real thing but consists of copper mixed with zinc.
Aside from the foil itself, you also need special gilder's base coat, top coat, glaze and adhesive. You should also have some sealer if you want to work with an object such as wood, which has a porous surface. Sandpaper, soft brushes, painter's tape, soft and clean cloth and a flat, smooth surface such as a tile are essential as well. You'll find that cotton balls and a bit of petroleum jelly come in handy too.
First smooth the surface you're planning on gilding and wipe away all dust. Then apply tape to the parts you don't want to cover. Apply a coat of sealer to porous surfaces such as wood.
Follow with the base coat and let it dry. Now comes the adhesive. In gilding circles, it's called a sizer.
Now it's time to start applying the foil. Cut it into smaller, more manageable pieces. Then remove it from its backing and place each piece on the tile or other flat surface. It will be easier to pick up the pieces if you use a cotton ball dabbed in petroleum jelly because the foil will lightly stick to this. When you apply the pieces, let them overlap so that there won't be any gaps showing through.
Use a brush and the cheesecloth to smoothen the metal over the surface. Work carefully, since the foil can crease or tear very easily. Check that the seams where pieces are overlapping don't show. Once you're done, apply a top coat to seal everything in and finish it off with a layer of glaze if you prefer. Let it dry, remove the painter's tape and you'll have a shimmering golden object.
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How to gold leaf is a review page that contains all the necessary painting kits you need. To get access to gold leaf supplies right now, visit the website. Your one-stop shop for arts and crafts is only a click away!
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