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	These simple GildedPlanet guidelines will help you produce a professionally finished, large surface area, gilded project. Gilding Ceilings and large area surfaces - walls and panels. Basic Preparation Applying the adhesive Sizing Applying the Leaf Touching Up Surface Sealing your gilt surface Antiquing Methods About Materials Exterior Gilding Basics

Gilded ceilings, walls and large surface areas has never been easier. Genuine Gold, silver and metal leaf like Imitation Gold, Aluminum and Copper are now readily available in rolls, also referred to as Ribbon Leaf, cutting your production time in half and creating superior gilded results. The following tutorial describes the step-by-step techniques involved in gilding a ceiling with Silver Leaf. The same principles apply to using any form of leaf on a roll, whether it is Imitation Gold leaf, Aluminum, Copper or Genuine Gold.

The working surface should be as smooth as possible. 2 coats of high quality primer should be applied, followed by 2 coats finished paint. The base color for the finished paint layer varies depending on your project requirements. A Latex Eggshell finish will provide superior results. To determine a color that is right for your project, visit the Gilded Planet Color learning center.

Using a water based size, such as Wunda Size or Aqua Size, allows for easy application and clean-up and extended 'tack' time, allowing you to apply your leaf in a less hurried manner. To learn more about water-based sizes and their properties visit the Water Size Center.
Apply the adhesive size with a short nap roller. While it is still wet, use a high quality brush and soften and smooth the size evenly over the surface. With water-based size, allow to come to 'tack' in approximately 1/2 hour. 'Tack' time for oil based sizing varies depending on the type of size used and environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity. For more information on oil-based sizes visit the Oil Size Center.

When working on large surface areas it is recommended that you use Ribbon Leaf. This is available in a variety of leaf types (visit the Ribbon Leaf Center for more details) and comes in a continuous roll of  individual leaves laid back-to-back, making straight and long runs easily manageable.

Carefully apply a strip of leaf, working with one long strip, from end to end, or in smaller segments, depending on your surface area. It helps to work with 2 people, one holding the paper while the other carefully places the leaf in place.

After applying the leaf to the 'sized' surface, use a soft 'Squirrel mop' gilder's brush and rub over the paper backing to insure all the leaf is attached to the surface. You can gently rub the paper backing with your fingers also - if you are careful and do not allow the paper backing to move or scratch the leaf surface.

Gentle remove the paper from the leaf, using a 'Squirrel mop' gilder's brush. Make sure there are no air bubbles and the leaf is firmly attached to the working surface.

Peel the paper backing off slowly and carefully.

'Burnish' the surface to remove and excess leaf, known as skewings. Use your soft 'Squirrel mop' gilder's brush so you do not scratch and dull the leaf surface.

Touch up 'holidays' (missed spots) with scrap pieces of your leaf on paper. Followed by a light brushing again to remove any excess and loose leaf bits.

Apply water-based varnish, such as "Acrylic Topcoat', using a short nap roller. While this is still wet, soften with a high quality brush. 'Acrylic Topcoat' is a non-reactive, premium water clear sealer for genuine and metal leaf. Made from acrylic copolymers, Acrylic Topcoat provides protection from abrasion, water and ultra violet light.

Soften the varnish using a high quality brush. Brush in a criss-cross pattern to smooth surface evenly.

Adhesive Sizing - Gilded Planet Size and Adhesive Center
Water Based - Wunda Size or Aqua Size
Oil Based - Rolco or LeFranc 3hr and 12 hr size

Genuine and Metal Leaf on the Roll -  Ribbon Leaf
Genuine Gold Leaf Rolls, Silver Leaf Rolls, Palladium Leaf Rolls, Imitation Gold Leaf Rolls, Aluminum Leaf Rolls, Copper Leaf Rolls

Gilder's Brushes - Squirrel mop

Sealers and Top Coat - Acrylic Topcoat - (available in High gloss and Semi-gloss). 'Acrylic Topcoat' is a non-reactive, premium water clear sealer for genuine and metal leaf. Made from acrylic copolymers, Acrylic Topcoat provides protection from abrasion, water and ultra violet light.

Gold Leaf Techniques Silver Leafing Techniques 7 Essential Steps for Perfect Gilding Gilding Terms Antiquing Methods Gilding Books artSparx.com artSparx Store Step-by-Step Tutorials Ask artSparx

Transform everyday objects into heirlooms.
The process known as Gilding simply means the application of
gold or silver leaf to a surface that has been properly prepared with
an adhesive known as 'gold size'. 

 

Silver leafing techniques	Gold leafing techniques
Silver Leafing & Aluminum Leafing Silver leafing can add charm and personality to even the most ordinary objects.	Gold Leafing Composition & Imitation Gold Leafing Gold Leafing might be just the right accent you're looking for! These straight forward step-by-step methods helps get the job done right.

Aluminum Leaf Dutch Gold or composition leaf Aluminum Leaf imitates the illusion of genuine Silver, at a fraction of the cost. Each individual sheet is bigger and easier to handle then its genuine counter part. Purchase Aluminum Leaf Purchase 23 kt. Leaf The same applies for 'Dutch Gold', or 'Composition Leaf'. But due to the large brass content, this imitation gold must have a sealer applied to prevent tarnishing, unlike genuine gold leaf. Purchase Composition Leaf Purchase 23 kt. Leaf Interior Style design features Have a question? Ask artSparx   Ask your gilding questions at the exclusive Ask artSparx question and answer forum! Decorative paint and glazing techniques