Applying silver leaf to a mirror frame is a decorative technique that adds a touch of elegance and shimmer. The process involves careful preparation, application of adhesive, and laying down the delicate silver leaf sheets.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply silver leaf to a mirror frame:
Preparing Your Mirror Frame for Silver Leaf
Proper preparation is crucial for a successful and long-lasting silver leaf finish. Based on guidelines like those found on Barnabas Gold, this involves several key steps:
- Prepare your work surface. Choose a clean, dust-free area that is well-ventilated. Lay down protective sheeting like newspaper or drop cloths to catch drips and excess leaf.
- Clean or sand the surface of your mirror frame. Ensure the frame is smooth and free of dirt, grease, or old finish. Depending on the existing surface, you might need to sand it down or simply clean it thoroughly. A smooth surface is essential for the silver leaf to adhere properly without showing imperfections.
- Clear away any excess dust. After cleaning or sanding, wipe the frame down carefully with a tack cloth or a slightly damp cloth to remove all dust particles.
- Use painters tape to protect the inner edges of the glass mirror to ensure that no adhesive or silver leaf makes contact with it. Apply the tape neatly along the edge where the frame meets the glass.
Applying Adhesive (Size)
Once the frame is prepared, the next step is applying the adhesive, commonly referred to as "size" in gilding.
- Choose the right size: There are different types of gilding size, including water-based and oil-based. Water-based size dries faster and is less toxic, while oil-based size offers a longer open time (the period when the adhesive is ready to receive the leaf).
- Apply evenly: Using a soft brush, apply a thin, even coat of size to the entire surface of the frame you wish to cover with silver leaf. Avoid drips or puddles.
- Allow to dry to tack: This is a critical stage called "coming to tack." The size must dry until it is no longer wet but is still sticky when you touch it lightly with your knuckle (the "tack" test). The drying time varies greatly depending on the type of size, humidity, and temperature. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Applying the Silver Leaf
This is the most delicate part of the process. Silver leaf is extremely thin and can easily tear or wrinkle.
- Handle with care: Avoid touching the silver leaf directly with bare hands, as oils can mark it. Use soft cotton gloves or specialist gilding tools like a gilding brush or cushion.
- Lay the sheets: Carefully transfer sheets of silver leaf onto the sized areas of the frame. Gently press the leaf down with a soft brush or cotton ball.
- Overlap slightly: Overlap the edges of the sheets slightly to ensure full coverage. The excess leaf can be brushed away later.
- Work in sections: If working on a large frame, it's often easier to apply size to a smaller section, let it come to tack, apply leaf, and then move to the next section.
Burnishing and Cleaning
After the leaf is applied, you need to gently secure it and remove the excess.
- Gentle pressure: Using a soft brush (like a squirrel hair gilding mop) or a piece of velvet, gently press and smooth the silver leaf onto the surface. This is called burnishing and helps adhere the leaf firmly.
- Brush away excess: With a clean, soft brush, carefully brush away the overlapping and loose pieces of silver leaf. These fragments can sometimes be collected and reused for small touch-ups.
Sealing the Silver Leaf
Unlike gold leaf, silver leaf will tarnish over time if not protected. Sealing is essential to preserve its bright appearance.
- Choose a suitable sealer: Use a non-yellowing, clear sealer or topcoat specifically designed for metal leaf. Acrylic sealers are a common choice.
- Apply carefully: Apply one or two thin coats of the sealer using a soft brush or spray. Ensure even coverage without drips.
- Allow to cure: Let the sealer dry completely according to the product's instructions before handling the frame or putting the mirror back in place.
By following these steps, including the crucial preparation points from the reference, you can achieve a beautiful silver leaf finish on your mirror frame.
