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 has been done for centuries and adds instant luxury to everyday objects. The traditional material used for this is sheets of real gold so thin that they resemble foil. Naturally this is quite costly, so you may want to try faux gold leaf instead. It normally consists of copper with some zinc added to it and looks just like the true product.
When you're preparing to begin gilding, first get together all the tools you might need. These include sandpaper, painter's tape, cheesecloth, soft paintbrushes and cotton balls. You'll also need a bit of petroleum jelly as well as sealer, base coat, gilder's adhesive, top coat and, if you prefer, glaze. Have a smooth, flat surface such as a tile or a mirror as your work surface.
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.
A soft brush will help you apply the gold leaf while the cheesecloth is handy for ensuring a smooth finish, especially where the pieces overlap. Once you've covered the surface, seal it with a top coat and then, if you want, add glaze. Once it's dry, simply remove the painter's tape and your masterpiece is ready.
Gilding has been done for centuries and adds instant luxury to everyday objects. The traditional material used for this is sheets of real gold so thin that they resemble foil. Naturally this is quite costly, so you may want to try faux gold leaf instead. It normally consists of copper with some zinc added to it and looks just like the true product.
When you're preparing to begin gilding, first get together all the tools you might need. These include sandpaper, painter's tape, cheesecloth, soft paintbrushes and cotton balls. You'll also need a bit of petroleum jelly as well as sealer, base coat, gilder's adhesive, top coat and, if you prefer, glaze. Have a smooth, flat surface such as a tile or a mirror as your work surface.
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.
A soft brush will help you apply the gold leaf while the cheesecloth is handy for ensuring a smooth finish, especially where the pieces overlap. Once you've covered the surface, seal it with a top coat and then, if you want, add glaze. Once it's dry, simply remove the painter's tape and your masterpiece is ready.
About the Author:
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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