Types of gold leaf and application technology
Full-fledged work with gold leaf is impossible if you do not understand its types. A certain category is suitable for a specific job. If you need to decorate a product by a needlewoman, you will need one type of gold leaf. For one-time use or widespread production, another one will be required. The type of material is also determined based on the texture that needs to be decorated.
Liquid
It has a bright metallic shine and consists of pigments, varnishes, and solvents. Is chrome plated paint. Used for glass, wood, metal surface, plaster, ceramics. Liquid gold leaf has high moisture resistance, strength, and does not oxidize. The consistency is similar to sour cream, not too thin and not too thick.
Before working with gold leaf, the product is thoroughly cleaned and degreased with alcohol. The liquid material is applied with a foam sponge or flat brush. First you need to paint the first layer. Leave it for several hours to dry completely and paint over the second layer. Depending on the product and material, gold paint can take about a day to dry. Liquid gold leaf is applied in several layers.
Today you can buy a special airbrush. This is a sprayer for liquid gold leaf, which helps to apply paint neatly and evenly. Application with an airbrush has a significant advantage - gold leaf dries quickly, about 2-3 hours. Ideal for needlewomen and craftsmen.
Roll
Used when it is necessary to apply gold paint to a large and even product. Sold in rolls 1-15 cm wide, about 50 meters long. Made on papyrus paper under pressure. It glues the joints and covers the seams.
To apply the rolled look, you will need a special glue for gold leaf. First, glue is applied in a thin layer and after a roll of material, then a layer of glue must be reapplied on top. For gold leaf, specialized transparent glue on a different base is used.
Leafy
Sheet material is used much more often than other types. It is great for handicrafts and craftsmen; it allows you to apply gold to any product: plaster, wood, glass, metal, ceramics, cardboard. Gilding with gold leaf in this case is carried out by analogy with the rolled type. First, a thin layer of glue is applied, then the material itself, a surface layer of glue.
Sheet gold is necessary when you need to cover a large surface. The materials are sold in the form of thin plates bound in thick books. One such book contains about 15 or more pages. The diameter of the plates is 16 or 15 cm, and has a bronze, gold or silver color.
Sheet gold leaf
Gilding with gold leaf should only be done after thoroughly cleaning the surface. It should be smooth, clean, and free of grease. You can apply primer before using gold leaf. For the sheet type, oil or water-based glue is usually used. In the first case, you will have to wait for it to dry for about 12 hours and then apply a leaf of gold leaf. In the second case, the material can be applied immediately after the glue.
To remove airy layers and unevenness, a cloth is used after applying the gold leaf. It is applied on top and all rough edges are carefully smoothed out. Gilding with gold leaf will last for a long time if the product is top coated with a special transparent varnish.
Chit
Craftsmen who make jewelry from epoxy resin like to use gold in the form of crumbs. It is sold in bulk form and often has multifaceted shades, which is beautifully reflected in the decorative product. This type is often used to decorate uneven objects with curves.
If the glue is water-based, the crumb is applied directly to the surface. The difference between the crumbs is that they are sprinkled onto the product. In order for the gold leaf to take root better, a layer of varnish must be applied on top.
Transfer
This type is considered reusable, since gold paint is applied in several layers to tracing paper, paper or parchment. A thin sheet is applied to the product until all the gold leaf is used. Practical and convenient to use. Often used by craftsmen and needlewomen. The work process is as follows:
- the product is degreased and cleaned;
- gold, bronze or silver paint is applied to the cleaned layer (it is not necessary to cover it with paint);
- after the paint has dried, glue is used for gold leaf;
- a sheet of gold leaf is applied on top;
- The film should be smoothed well and removed from the product.
How to glue transfer potal
Transfer potal is a tape from which the coating is transferred to the adhesive base. This type of sweat is denser than leaf gold and in the form of flakes; it can be taken by hand or cut with scissors. The method of application also differs.
See also
Composition and purpose of Pufas wallpaper glue, characteristics and how to use it correctly
Transfer potal can be glued to water-based varnish and mordan to obtain a continuous glossy surface or patterns. Alcohol-based varnish evaporates quickly, so the entire ink layer from the tape will be partially transferred to the surface.
Water mixtion takes longer to dry and has a more viscous consistency. The composition is applied to the entire area to be decorated or a pattern is drawn with glue using a stencil using a brush. After 15-20 minutes (according to the instructions), a piece of tape is applied to the surface with the matte side and smoothed with a finger/brush/cotton wool, depending on the area of the decor. After 2-3 minutes, the tape is removed, leaving a paint layer on the surface. To secure it, after the glue has completely dried, an alcohol-based varnish is applied.
Review of popular brands
When repairing friction linings, car enthusiasts most often give preference to 3 adhesive compounds.
"VS-10T"
The glue consists of special resins and organic solvents. The parts to be glued are first put aside until completely dry, and only then are they placed under the press. In appearance, “VS-10T” is a viscous, homogeneous, transparent liquid of a beige or brown hue. This glue does not contain water, which makes it stable, even in the case of direct contact with liquid. The composition is also resistant to most aggressive environments: sea water, alcohol-containing liquids, acetone.
VS-10T adhesive is specially created for reliable fixation of materials in units that operate at temperatures up to 300 °C. It can be used at low pressure. The adhesive is widely used for bonding brake friction linings to a metal base. The composition guarantees high adhesion strength.
"Poxipol"
Two-component, high-strength, universal epoxy adhesive. Its main purpose is installation and construction work, but the Poxipol composition has proven itself well in gluing and repairing various mechanisms. After working with it, a seam forms on the surface. For this means it received a second name - “cold welding”.
The glue is sold in a set of 2 tubes:
- in a tube marked “A” - resin;
- in the second, with the designation “B” - hardener.
The set also includes instructions for use, a spatula, and a plate. The resin has high flexibility and guarantees increased adhesion of parts. Acceptable temperature for gluing is +18…+23 ˚С.
The disadvantages of the adhesive composition include:
- "Poxipol" is not suitable for working with polypropylene, polyethylene, Teflon;
- high cost of the product;
- Before applying the composition, it must first be prepared and then used for 5-6 minutes.
Natural glue is sold only in specialized stores.
Epoxy resin "ED-20"
Epoxy-diane resin is a reliable, universal, high-quality viscous liquid without mechanical impurities. Under the influence of the hardener, at normal room temperature + 20˚C, it turns into an infusible polymer.
Technical characteristics of the composition:
- shows resistance to moisture, mechanical damage, alkaline and acidic environments;
- the prepared mixture is used for 30-60 minutes;
- when compared with acrylic resins, the product is toxic;
- low elasticity - during movement, cracks may form on the surface that is coated with ED-20;
- has anti-corrosion and dielectric properties;
- provides high durability under heavy loads.
In industry it is used in its pure form. Without additional components of the composition “ED-20” is amber or orange in color.
Water based
There are several varieties of water-acrylic compositions available for sale intended for working with gold leaf:
- the glue is white and becomes colorless after drying (there are pigmented versions, for example, Permacoll);
- the paste is used to decorate absorbent and porous surfaces without an existing reliable primer (gypsum, wood); after gilding with the paste, the products will be matte;
- pencil, marker, tube - used for fine work and artistic application.
An ordinary water-based product has a medium viscosity and does not require additional dilution with water. After applying the layer, gilding can begin after 15 minutes, half an hour or an hour, usually the time interval is indicated on the packaging. In this case, you should take into account the humidity and temperature in the room, as well as the thickness of the applied layer.
Advice! Professionals recommend drying the adhesive layer for 8 hours before gluing the first leaf of gold leaf.
Regular water-based mordan requires a non-porous, non-absorbent, primed and carefully prepared surface.
Review of the best manufacturers and brands
The choice of manufacturer should be taken very seriously. Now the market for decoupage glue is not yet so wide and is not subject to mandatory licensing. Therefore, there is a high probability of encountering a fake. Don’t be shy about asking for quality certificates and instructions for use.
Mod Podge PLAID
Mod Podge PLAID is an adhesive developed by an American manufacturer. It is used for outdoor work around the house. It glues slate, wood, concrete and metal best. It is not only an adhesive, but also acts as a sealant and adhesive for coating surfaces. It is one of the strongest lineups on the list. Suitable for decorating bulky items with large plates of material. Its peculiarity is that it dries in at least 15 minutes; you need to hold it all this time to ensure better adhesion.
Decola
Decola is a universal and effective adhesive created in Russia. It is designed to work with wood, glass or metal. The product cannot be called completely devoid of shortcomings; sometimes there are reviews online that it cannot cope with heavy layers. But the minimum price and ease of use make it possible for novice needlewomen to use it.
La Doratura
La Doratura is an adhesive that can hold even heavy surfaces together. It is intended for outdoor work, as well as decoupage. Copes with metal and wooden parts.
Art Potce
Art Potce is a popular product often used by Russian needlewomen. It combines the advantages of conventional glue and varnish. Works great on surfaces of ceramics, metal, wood, cardboard and natural stone. It can also be used to treat the surface of products, as it leaves a bright shine. But one cannot note the strong strength of the glue - products coated with it are better placed as home decoration, rather than actively used.
Glitter art potch
Glitter art potch is a unique tool that not only holds parts of the product together, but also helps decorate it. Leaves holographic particles, like tiny sparkles.
Kerzen Potch
Kerzen Potch is used for working with paper napkins and fabrics. But the main area of its use is wax products. Due to the fact that the wax particles contained in the composition do not melt the picture when burned in the wax. The composition reliably glues the parts together and does not come off from the surface of the candle or other material. It dries in 1-2 minutes, and does not leave an unpleasant odor, yellow spots or smudges.
Porcelain glue
Porcelain glue is used for decorating glass, ceramic and porcelain products. It is used to decorate dining utensils and services. The peculiarity of porcelain glue is that it must be dried in a special hot oven for at least 90 minutes. But then you can use plates, jugs, glasses without fear for your health, and you can also easily wash them in the normal dishwasher mode.
"Mordan"
"Mordan" is an Italian-made glue. Its distinctive feature is its ability to work with water-repellent surfaces. They cover glass and ceramics with gold leaf or gold leaf. The cost of glue is quite high, but only it is used for decorating expensive surfaces (others can damage expensive materials).
Mod Podge
Used to work with metal, concrete, wood and slate. Although it is intended for outdoor work, needlewomen around the world actively use it for decoupage. It is particularly effective and dries in 15 minutes.
What is gold leaf and why does it need glue?
As you remember from my previous articles, gold leaf is a decorative material with which you can create an imitation of precious metals, for example, gold, silver, or bronze.
Potal is widely used in decorating wooden and ceramic products, interior items, as well as painting. In order to correctly, beautifully and accurately decorate surfaces with gold leaf, you need to select a special glue.
The fact is that the gold leaf is attached to the surface using a special glue, which must be selected based on the characteristics of both the gold leaf itself and what you will decorate with it.
Potal comes in several forms - sheets, crumbs, rolls and even liquid. For each type, you can choose glue on a specific basis, which not only will not spoil the entire artistic design, but will also help even beginners cope with the task. Let's now take a closer look at all the features of choosing glue for gold leaf.
If you have no idea what gold leaf looks like or don’t know where to buy it, go to the website of my online store for painting supplies and study the catalog - https://nyshop.pro/shop-2/.
How to make mixtion with your own hands: two recipes
Craftsmen have been using their own secrets for many centuries to prepare Mordan glue. Previously, this art was practiced by icon painters; they found a way out in simple improvised means, creating masterpieces that are still revered by connoisseurs to this day.
And today you can make simple potali glue with your own hands from what you have in the kitchen. Experienced craftsmen use egg whites, garlic juice, sugar syrup, starch and other astringents. We suggest you take note of the two most durable and easiest to prepare compositions, recognized by the majority of decorators.
DIY starch glue
So, you will need a glass of water, 70 g of granulated sugar, 1/3 cup of food starch and a tablespoon of white vinegar. To prepare, follow these steps step by step:
- heat 200 ml of water until warm, dissolve sugar in it and bring the syrup to a boil;
- pour vinegar into the mixture and mix the mixture thoroughly.
- the liquid should be kept on the fire for no more than half a minute;
- add starch to the syrup, constantly stirring the emulsion;
- When the resulting mixtion has cooled, its consistency should resemble sour cream.
The advantages of this composition are that it becomes completely transparent and invisible as it polymerizes. At the same time, a homemade starch mixtion firmly fixes the foil on the surface of the products.
Creamy face for gold leaf
So, mixtion for gilding can also be prepared using milk cream. To create the glue you will need to take 100 ml of cognac and the same amount of heavy cream.
Initially, the components are thoroughly mixed and applied to the surface prepared for gilding. The composition is allowed to dry for 30-60 minutes. After this time has passed, it’s time to start processing the product with a shiny film.
How can I replace glue for gold leaf?
Surely, reading articles on the Internet and comparing prices for materials, you have wondered what can replace glue for gold leaf?
After all, you must admit that it is not always possible to immediately buy the glue you need, especially if it is expensive. Maybe there is something you can glue gold leaf onto at home.
So, for example, if you have a very large amount of work to do, and it is not yet possible to buy expensive industrial glue, you can use the following substitutes for gilding glue.
Option 1
Try gluing gold leaf onto egg whites. Plain egg white, not mixed with anything.
Option 2
Mix 4 tbsp. l. starch 1 glass of water, bring to a thick state over heat and cool.
Option 3
Mix 250 g of sugar in 100 ml of water and cook until caramelized. Apply a thin sticky layer to the surface.
Besides these mixtures, what else can gold leaf be glued to?
Option 4
Some experts say that, in principle, garlic juice may be suitable for this, as it has good sticky properties.
But this method is probably too extreme, especially considering that not everyone likes the smell of garlic, and it is unknown how this or that material will behave next to such a natural component.
By the way, many beginners often wonder if it is possible to glue gold leaf with PVA glue? Let's look into this issue.
Choosing high-quality water- or alcohol-based glue for gold leaf
Potal is intended for decorative gilding and silvering of various surfaces - ceramics, wood, glass, gypsum stucco, metal, cardboard and plastic.
Depending on the task at hand, various brands of glue can be used in the work, such as:
Kolner Permacoll Size is a special acrylic-based adhesive for glossy gold plating. Permacoll has long-lasting adhesion, making it possible to cover a surface treated with glue with gold leaf for several hours.
The adhesive composition does not contain solvents and, if necessary, can be diluted with water. This brand of glue is widely used in decorating icons with artificial and natural gold, in the manufacture of handicrafts, interior items, etc.
Permacoll glue is available in two colors - transparent and red (pigmented with pigment to control the application of glue). A 100 ml jar of colorless glue costs about 700 rubles, red is sold a little more expensive.
Glue for transfer gold Tair
— universal transparent adhesive composition on a water basis. Designed to work not only with transfer gold, but also with other types of gold leaf (loose sheets and flakes).
Can be used to decorate any type of base: plastic, wood, metal, glass, etc. It is enough to apply a thin layer of glue and wait a few minutes, and you can start working.
Tair glue retains its adhesive ability for a long time, which makes working with it convenient and comfortable. Glue for gold leaf Tair is most often found on sale in 20 ml tubes and costs about 150 rubles. For large volumes of work, it is more profitable to buy glue in 100 ml jars (costs about 250 rubles).
Mordan "Ferrario"
— universal adhesive mixture for gold leaf and gold leaf. The composition is applied in a thin layer to the surface to be decorated and left for 15-30 minutes.
After the mordan has partially dried, you can begin gilding. Glue (mordan) for gold leaf after application does not lose its adhesive properties for two to three hours, which allows you to do the work carefully and slowly.
Mordan "Ferrario" is available in packages of 75, 250 and 1000 ml. The cost of a 250 ml jar is about 1200 rubles.
Recipe - how to make glue for gold leaf with your own hands
Ready-made adhesives for gold leaf are not cheap, so if you wish, you can make an analogue of store-bought mordan from available ingredients.
Here are two simple recipes:
Glue for gold leaf based on potato starch and sugar.
- Dissolve 70 grams of sugar in 200 ml of warm water, put it on the stove, bring the solution to a boil.
- Then add a teaspoon of vinegar to the mixture, mix and boil for another half a minute.
- Remove the future glue from the heat and, stirring constantly, add a third of a glass of potato starch.
- After cooling, the composition should resemble a creamy mass in consistency. The properties of this glue are close to PVA - after drying it becomes almost transparent.
Glue for gilding on cream and cognac.
- Take 100 grams of heavy cream and the same amount of cognac, mix thoroughly - the glue is ready.
- We apply the composition to the surface to be treated, wait about 30-60 minutes for the glue to dry and begin gilding.
How to glue - an example of working with transfer gold leaf
Method of using Tair glue when working with transfer gold leaf (foil on film):
- Product preparation. The surface is degreased, highly absorbent substrates (gypsum, wood, etc.) are pre-primed with glue.
- Applying glue. Apply a thin layer of glue to a clean, dry surface to be decorated using a brush.
- Technological break. A 5-10 minute pause is maintained (during this time the glue will dry and become transparent).
- Decoration. The inner side of the sheet of transfer gold is applied to the surface and carefully smoothed with a cotton swab, excess glue is removed. Then the film is removed with a sharp movement.
- Varnish coating. If desired, to secure and protect the “gilding” from oxidation, you can coat the gold leaf with a special varnish (Ferrario, Daily ART, etc.).
- Cleaning tools. After finishing work, brushes should be washed immediately with warm water.
VIDEO INSTRUCTION
Currently, chemists and technologists are managing to find an alternative option - to invent a material whose characteristics and appearance are in no way inferior to real gold used in arts and crafts! Meet, this is gold...
How to choose the right glue for gold leaf
As I already said, gold leaf comes in several types - sheet, crumb, roll and liquid. Just like gold leaf, glue also comes in several types and on different bases. And also, the glue should have the ability to adhere well not only to the gold leaf, but also to the material that you will be gilding. Therefore, when choosing what glue to use for the gold leaf, always remember where you will glue it.
According to its composition, glue for gold leaf is divided into several types :
- alcohol-based glue;
- oil-based glue;
- water-acrylic glue.
To choose the right gilding adhesive, consider the following factors in your job:
- For the surface area that you will decorate. If the area of the product is not large, then you should choose water-based glue, as it dries very quickly and can be used several times.
- On the material from which the decorated product consists. It can be fabric, canvas, metal, wood, ceramics and so on.
- Where will you decorate your product, in what room.
- Your experience of working with gold leaf and adhesives for it.
- Main brands of glue.
Based on all these factors, and having correctly analyzed them, you will be able to choose the right glue for gilding, which is the key to your success in gilding.
Now, I want to dwell in more detail on each type of glue, highlighting their key features when working with gold leaf.
Some useful tips
For those who have only recently discovered the art of gold leaf gilding, we remind you of a few simple rules. These recommendations will help you achieve better results and avoid annoying mistakes in your work:
The simplest but most important tip for working with gilding glue is to carefully study the instructions. Even if you have already worked with homemade formulations, still be sure to read the manufacturer's recommendations
Usually the bottle describes in detail the rules for using glue, timing of work and precautions. When applying gold leaf to an artwork, use gloves. Delicate foil fits the base well
However, for complete accuracy, protect the coating from foreign marks and stray fingerprints, and protect your skin from contact with sticky substances. If you are just learning to work with film gilding, then in order to save money you can train on homemade compositions. But on the other hand, a high-quality industrial mixture will allow you to better master the intricacies of the work and achieve excellent results without the threat of spoiling the surface.
Finally
If you like to do elaborate work with gold trim, then be sure to try professional materials. Only special compositions will allow you to achieve an impeccable decoupage effect.
For those who want to learn how to work with gold plating or hone their skills, we recommend watching the video instructions on how to glue gold leaf:
Potal is a material used for decorative purposes, having the external properties of gold. To work with it correctly and easily, you need to choose the right glue for the gold leaf and study the characteristics of the material. There are several types of decor that can be used on various surfaces that differ in volume, size, and texture. With the help of gold leaf it is easy to turn an ordinary decorative item into a gold-plated, bronze or silver one. An experienced craftsman can create a product that is indistinguishable in appearance from real precious metal.
How to replace gluten in baked goods. How can you replace fast food products in Lenten baking?
If everything is more or less clear with lenten soups, vegetable stews and porridges, then lenten dough and lenten baking in general raise many questions. The famous baker Alena Spirina tried to answer the main ones, for example, what can replace eggs and butter in Lenten baking.
To understand how to make Lenten baked goods really tasty, let’s figure out how the quality of the dough is affected by products that we are deprived of during Lent, and vegans always do. How does their absence affect the quality of finished products, and how can this absence be compensated for? How to replace butter in lean baking? Butter contains approximately 80% fat and 20% water. Thanks to butter, the dough becomes moist, flaky and voluminous. Shortbread dough becomes crumbly, including due to the steam that is formed when water evaporates from the oil. And no other fat will give the dough the taste and texture that is obtained when using butter. The closest, but not the healthiest alternative is margarine. If you are a categorical opponent of this product, then only ordinary vegetable oil remains. Which is not so bad, although it does not contain water, air, or emulsifiers that help retain a large volume of air, and therefore cannot affect the leavening of the dough. But vegetable oil perfectly envelops the flour, preventing gluten from developing excessively. Yes, shortbread dough mixed with vegetable oil will not be as layered and aromatic as with butter, but it remains crumbly and soft. And you can loosen it with baking powder. How can you replace eggs in lean baking? Eggs are responsible for forming the structure of some types of dough and are practically the only ingredient that simultaneously contains a significant amount of both natural thickeners (proteins) and leavening agents (fats and emulsifiers). You can also beat the eggs to add air to the dough. Eggs also prevent water from separating from fats. But we don’t have eggs, so we’ll have to forget about fluffy biscuits for now. But muffins are quite accessible to us, if you know how you can compensate for the lack of emulsifiers and leavening agents. You will have to create an emulsion forcibly, as in a vinegar salad dressing: mix vegetable oil with an acidic liquid, for example, fruit juice or coffee, jam syrup or fruit puree. If the cupcake recipe calls for a couple of eggs, try replacing them with ripe bananas, using as many by weight: for two eggs – 100-110 g of banana. Just add not just a banana mashed with a fork, but beat it with vegetable oil in the bowl of a blender or food processor: you will see what a stable emulsion you get! Sugar in Lenten BakingOften, Lenten baked goods seem too sweet. This is not surprising, because we have to compensate for the lack of butter and eggs with sugar, honey, and jam. Sugar not only softens the structure of the dough, but also attracts water, protecting it from excessive development of gluten. The more sugar you add to the dough, the softer it will be. If there is not enough sugar, the dough structure will not form properly and the dough will either not rise or rise and collapse. Sugar also retains the moisture content of the finished product, making it soft and protecting it from staleness. What are the options for lean baking? The easiest way to prepare lean yeast dough: it works well without baking at all, and with a minimum amount of it in the form of good vegetable oil and, if necessary , sugar. And so that the surface of the pie is ruddy and shiny, lubricate it with strong tea before baking and vegetable oil after. With crumbly pie dough, everything is also simple: just mix an equal amount of vegetable oil and water by weight and add about twice as much flour, which has added salt, baking powder and, for sweet pies, sugar. Just don't knead the dough until smooth, it can become rough. The most difficult thing is with cupcakes. Try to find a cake recipe that you generally like, and change it depending on the circumstances: use a different liquid, try playing with the taste of butter, add variety with additives: nuts, dried fruits, candied fruits, spices and herbs. Or pour the cake batter onto slices of fruit - apples, pineapples, oranges - it will look like a charlotte. Material taken from the Internet.
How to make PVA glue
Components:
- distilled water – 2 l;
- gelatin grade A – 5 g;
- glycerin – 4 g;
- wheat flour – 0.1 kg;
- ethylene – 20 ml.
The first step is soaking the gelatin. It is poured into a glass and filled with water, left until it swells.
- Next, distilled water is poured into a convenient container, and flour is added there.
- The container is placed in a water bath.
- The swollen gelatin is mixed with a small amount of water to remove lumps and added to the container with flour and distillate.
- The mixture is brought to a boil. The composition should not boil until it acquires the density of pancake batter. The mixture is constantly stirred until smooth.
- Alcohol and glycerin are added.
- The mixture is stirred until a homogeneous, thick mass.
- After cooling, the product is ready for use.