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Gilding: Easy Techniques & Elegant Projects With Metal Leaf

Decorating with gold accents can add sophistication, dimension, and importance, not just to the object it embellishes, but to an entire room.

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Size and Gilder's Adhesives- Oil Sizes
 

Size refers to the adhesive material used to adhere gold, silver, copper or metal leaf to any surface being gilded. There are different forms of size depending on the gilding method; oil based, water based and 'sizing' for 'Traditional water gilding'.     Oil Based Adhesives Water Based Adhesives Animal Hide Glues Gelatin Glues Additional Adhesives

Shipping Restrictions:
Due to the flammable nature of gilding size, these products must be shipped UPS Ground. Please take this into consideration when ordering. If preferable, you can request to have your leaf and supplies shipped independently from your gilder's size to receive these items sooner.

Oil Based Adhesives Oil based gilding adhesives may be used for both interior and exterior gilding projects. Solvent - based.

The French LeFranc size has  superior leveling properties and mast predictable characteristics. Rolco size produces excellent results, dries hard and may be sealed after curing for 24 hours.

Oil sizes are ready to gild when your knuckle taps the surface without disturbing the size or coming away with residue. Oil sizes may be thinned up to 10% with mineral spirits (white spirits). If thinned, the drying time may be reduced. A Black Ox hair brush will produce a smooth even surface. Brushes are best cleaned with mineral spirits (white spirits). Always stir oil size to insure the blending of all components. Never shake a can to mix it as it may aerate the oil size and cause minute air bubbles to appear during application.

Porous surfaces should be sealed to create a smooth surface to gild. Exterior projects may be sealed with semi-gloss latex or oil based paint. Shellac or semi-gloss paint is recommended for sealing interior work.

 

Coverage Info - Spread Rate
Brush application producing a 2 mil thick layer of material.
Artisan Clear Oil size	50 sq.ft per Quart
Quick Dry Size	60 sq.ft per Quart
Slow Set Size	50 sq.ft per Quart
Aqua Size	87 sq.ft per Quart
Rolco Burnish Sealer	77 sq.ft per Quart
Acrylic Top Coat	36 sq.ft per Quart

Rolco Quick-Dry and Slow-Set Size
Shipping Restrictions
Rolco Quick-Dry Size will reach tack in 1-2 hours and will remain open for gilding for 1-2 hours. In very dry and warm environments, it may reach tack in as little as 30 minutes and the open time for gilding may be greatly reduced. It produces excellent results with metal leaf and is recommended for small projects or when time is limited. Allow to cure for 24 hours before sealing. Download complete specification sheet for this product.
Rolco Quick-Dry Size - 3 hour oil adhesive   RB/8- 1/2 pint $ 15.00 RB/P- 1 pint $ 20.00 RB/Q - 1 quart $ 32.00 RB/GAL - 1 gallon $ 98.00
Rolco Slow-Set Size is recommended for projects that may require a longer open time for gilding than Quick-Dry will allow. It will reach proper gilding tack in 6-8 hours and will remain open for gilding with genuine gold leaf for an equal amount of time. The open time for gilding with metal leaf is usually less, as it is with other oil sizes. Allow to cure 24 hours before sealing. Download complete specification sheet for this product.
Rolco Slow-Dry Size - 12 hour oil adhesive   RS/8 - 1/2 pint $ 16.00 RS/P - 1 pint $ 21.00 RS/Q - 1 quart $ 34.00 RS/GAL - 1 gallon $ 102.00   NEW Rolco Artisan Clear Oil Size - A superior extended gilding size. Artisan Clear Oil Size is highly recommended for exterior domes, statuary, signs, and other projects where extended open time is required. It reaches tack overnight, about 12 hours, and stays open for gilding for 12 hours or longer.   Rolco Artisan Clear Oil Size   RAS/P - 1 pint $ 29.00 RAS/Q - 1 quart $ 48.00   LeFranc Gilder's Size Shipping Restrictions   LeFranc 3 Hour Size is suitable for interior and exterior work. It reaches tack in 3-5 hours depending on film thickness, temperature and humidity. After reaching the proper gilding tack, it will remain open for gilding with genuine gold leaf for 4-6 hours. The open time for gilding with metal leaf is shorter, sincemetal leaf is brittle and heavier. Allow the gilded surface to cure one week before sealing or glazing. Always stir LeFranc size. The driers in LeFranc size settle to the bottom of the container and must be stirred to produce a blended product.   8.4 oz. item# size3LF8 $ 17.00 16.9 oz. item# size3LF16 $ 28.00 33.9 oz. item# size3LF33 $ 39.00     LeFranc 12 Hour Size Lead Free - new improved formulation! Released Fall 2007 Le Franc is suitable for all projects requiring a longer open time for gilding. It reaches tack in 12-14 hours and will remain open for gilding for 8-12 hours. LeFranc 12 Hour Size requires one month to cure fully before sealing or glazing. Until fully cured, the gilding surface is fragile and should be protected from harm. Always stir LeFranc size. The driers in LeFranc size settle to the bottom of the container and must be stirred to produce a blended product. 8.4 oz. item# size12LF8 $ 21.00 16.9 oz. item# size12LF16 $ 32.00 33.9 oz. item# size12LF33 $ 46.00

Step-by-step gilding tutorials, tips and Q&A

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Silver Leafing

Silver leafing can add charm and personality to even the most ordinary objects.

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Silver Leaf Antiquing

Antiquing glaze creates the soft glow of slightly tarnished silver.

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