Size Gilding

Gold leaf gilding is possible in two ways.

The simplest and cheapest way, thanks to its spped of execution, is the size gilding. Despite the more modest scenic effect than water gilding, it is a widely used technique. Size gilding is the kind mostly used with imitation gold.

Step 1. Sanding

Even in size gilding, it’s important that the surface is well polished, minimizing the porosity of the material to be gilded. Indeed, if the surface remains very porous, the applied mix will be excessively absorbed reducing the sticky effect.

Step 2. Display of acrylic varnish and Mixtion

Instead of the bole, used in water gilding, it’s possible to use an acrylic varnish of the desired color. It should be considered that the chosen color is decisive for the final tone of the gold. For this reason, as for the bole, normally we use red or yellow varnishes.

Once applied the chosen varnish (if you want to use it), it is advisable to sand the surface well with very fine sandpaper.

At this point, it is possible to apply the size preferred. There are two types: water size and oil size. The first has very short drying times (around 15 m) while the second requires some hours, depending on the type purchased.

The long wait is certainly rewarded at the end of the work thanks to the shine it can give to gold.
When spreading the mixture, it is necessary to apply a layer as thin as possible, an excessive amount of elastic material will facilitate the rupture of the gold leaf once applied.

Step 3. Apply the gold leaf

Once the size is dried, it will be possible to apply the gold leaf. Thanks to the sticky power of the size, it will be particularly easy to adhere it to the surface, it is less easy to ensure that the sheet to be applied is well spread. This is why, even in this case, it is helpful to cut the gold leaf before applying it using the conventional gilding tools: gilder’s pad and knife.

Step 4. Display of protective varnish (optional)

Since the gold in size gilding cannot be burnished, as in the case of water gilding, if real gold is used, gilding can be considered completed.
If you have chosen to use imitation gold, it is necessary to cover the object with a protective varnish. Indeed, because of the brass, the sheets tend to oxidize very quickly.

You can choose for oldtechniques, using natural varnish based on shellac or use acrylic varnishes which, depending on the type chosen, will give different effects (gloss, satin,…)

Related Products

 

Metalli in foglia

Metalli in foglia

Missione HD

Missione HD

Cuscinetto

Cuscinetto

Call Now Button