Using Silver Gold and Copper Metal leaf

     Silver, Gold and Copper leafing is a very easy process once you know some of the basics. I would consider the leafing technique an art or a faux finishing technique. In years past, real gold was pressed into thin sheets and applied over an object for a permanent gold effect. Today composite leaf is made using various metals, which makes the leaf more affordable but the leaf also oxidizes or tarnishes. Any water-based or acrylic product with ammonia will oxidize the modern metals. If you want a permanent gold that doesn't tarnish or oxidize, you must use real gold leaf. It can be purchased for about $1 for 4inch x 4inch piece.

       Leaf is normally used on picture frames or ornamental Objects de Art. The gold you see on domes on government buildings outside is the real gold leaf because it doesn't oxidize in the weather. During the Renaissance, real gold was used because there wasn't another option. Normally ornamental pieces of wood were sanded and then a gesso(liquid ground marble) was applied over the object and then sanded to create a smooth effect. Then, depending on the leaf, a yellow or black(silver) or red(gold and copper) base color was applied over the gesso. Afterward, a glue-type product - size - was then applied over top of the entire object wherever the leaf will be applied. Once the size dries, it will remain tacky for a few days so that the leaf will stick to the size. With the modern day leafs, often a clear coat of an oil varnish must be applied to keep the leaf from aging or oxidizing.

    Today, the leafing technique doesn't have to be so complex. Here I simply applied the Mona Lisa Size that I purchased from a craft store, let the size dry overnight, then applied the silver leaf. The trick is keeping your hands dry. If your hands are sweaty. lol You might want to use a baby powder to keep them dry. Some people use a brush to tap the leaf down and in some situations, like leafing an entire ceiling, you should use a brush to place the leaf. But if you are just trying to create a quick effect on an old mirror and you don't have a huge budget, The mirror can be sanded so the size sticks well. Let size dry, Then apply the leaf. I didn't want the leaf to have a block-type pattern, so I applied the leaf in a irregular pattern. Once leaf was applied, I just pushed it down on the frame with a soft cloth and then burnished - rubbed hard - the leaf down until smooth. Then I applied a oil varnish to keep the metal from aging.

     Job was done with a reasonable budget and client was happy and old frame was turned into a modern frame. A water-based Mona Lisa Size was used with a composite metal silver leaf.