To apply gold leaf to stone, you'll need to use transfer paper or tissue paper to prevent oils from your skin from affecting the gold's adhesion.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
Steps for Applying Gold Leaf to Stone
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Prepare the Stone Surface: Ensure the stone is clean, dry, and free of any loose particles. This might involve gently brushing or wiping it down.
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Apply Size (Adhesive): A specialized adhesive called "size" is necessary for the gold leaf to stick. The type of size you use depends on the desired finish and the type of stone. Oil-based sizes are common. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding application and drying time. The size needs to be tacky but not wet.
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Apply the Gold Leaf:
- Using Transfer Leaf: Carefully place the transfer paper (gold leaf attached) onto the sized area of the stone. Gently rub the back of the transfer paper with a soft brush or cotton swab to ensure the gold leaf adheres to the size. Carefully peel away the transfer paper, leaving the gold leaf behind.
- Using Loose Leaf: Handle loose leaf with extreme care. Breathe to move the gold leaf or pick it up with a gilder's tip (a flat brush). Carefully lay the gold leaf onto the sized area.
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Burnish (Optional): For a polished look, you can gently burnish the gold leaf after it has fully adhered. Use a soft burnishing tool specifically designed for gold leaf. Be careful not to scratch the gold.
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Clean Up Excess Gold: Use a soft brush (like a gilder's mop or a soft makeup brush) to gently remove any excess or loose gold leaf around the edges.
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Protect the Gold Leaf (Optional): Consider applying a sealant or varnish specifically formulated for use over gold leaf to protect it from scratches and tarnishing. Make sure the sealant is compatible with both the gold leaf and the stone.
Important Considerations:
- Safety: Work in a well-ventilated area, especially when using solvent-based sizes and sealants. Wear gloves to protect your skin from the adhesives.
- Practice: Gold leafing takes practice. Start with a small, inconspicuous area to get a feel for the process.
- Type of Gold Leaf: You can use genuine gold leaf (more expensive but tarnish-resistant) or imitation gold leaf (also called Dutch metal or composition leaf), which is made of brass and will tarnish over time unless properly sealed.
- Surface Preparation: The smoother the stone surface, the better the gold leaf will adhere and the more even the finish will be.
