Alexei Volkov
Silver leaf can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including plastic. The process of applying silver leaf is called gilding, and it involves using an adhesive to stick the leaf to the desired surface. The type of adhesive used depends on the surface being gilded. For plastic, a colour coat may be applied to change the final surface colour. A water-based adhesive is suitable for most materials, but if applying silver leaf to an oil painting, an oil-based adhesive should be used. Once the adhesive has been applied, the silver leaf can be placed on top, and any small cracks or gaps can be filled by applying a second coat of adhesive and leaf.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Adhesive | Water-based or oil-based adhesive |
| Adhesive for porous surfaces | Aqua Size, Wunda Size, or a primer |
| Adhesive for non-porous surfaces | Synthetic varnish, shellac, lacquer, or varnish |
| Adhesive for oil paintings | Oil-based adhesive |
| Adhesive for other surfaces | Water-based adhesive |
| Adhesive application | Thin and even coat |
| Adhesive drying time | 15-30 minutes to become tacky, depending on temperature and humidity |
| Leaf application | Use tissue paper to lift and place the leaf over the adhesive, gently rub with a paper towel |
| Leaf application tool | Gilder's Tip brush |
| Leaf application technique | Overlap sheets from left to right, repeat until the surface is covered |
| Burnishing | Polish with wax, cotton wool, or a soft brush to remove excess bits |
| Antiquing | Use antiquing processes or rotten stone to create an aged appearance |
| Sealing | Seal porous surfaces, wood, and plaster with a primer or sealant |
| Plastic preparation | May not need preparation, but a color coat may be applied |
| Hot foil stamping | Press the foil in with heat and moisture |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the plastic surface
To prepare a plastic surface for silver leafing, you should first ensure that the plastic is clean and free of any dirt or debris. If the plastic surface has any flaws or imperfections, you may need to use a filler to repair these areas. Once the filler is dry, use sandpaper to remove any excess filler and smooth out the surface. For larger projects, you can use a piece of 60#-grit to 80#-grit sandpaper, or for smaller, more detailed projects, you can use commercial preparations from a hardware or paint store.
Next, you will need to prime the plastic surface. Priming will ensure that the adhesive does not soak into the plastic. You can use a water-based primer for this step, and a spray primer may be the best option for treating items with hard-to-reach crevices. If you wish to affect the final surface colour, you can apply a colour coat, or 'bole', at this stage. Traditionally, bole was made from clay, but modern gilders tend to use paint, and the typical colours are earth red, yellow oxide, blue, or black.
Before applying the adhesive, you should prepare your work area. Cover your working surfaces and floor areas with drop cloths or newspaper, and use low-tack painter's tape to mask any areas that you do not want to be gilded.
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Choose an adhesive
When it comes to choosing an adhesive for your silver leaf project, there are a few options to consider. The type of adhesive you choose will depend on the surface you are working on, the desired results, and your skill level. Here are some detailed instructions to help you choose the right adhesive for your project:
First, it is important to understand the different types of adhesives available. Adhesives, also known as "size", come in two main varieties: water-based and oil-based. Water-based adhesives are typically used for most materials, including wood, glass, metal, or ceramic. They form a tacky surface that allows the silver leaf to stick and are suitable for interior projects. Popular water-based adhesives include Aqua Size and Wunda Size, which are known for their long tack time, making them ideal for large-scale projects.
On the other hand, oil-based adhesives are better suited for specific surfaces or projects. If you are applying silver leaf to an oil painting, for example, an oil-based adhesive is the best choice as water-based adhesives will not work over oil paint. Oil-based adhesives can also be classified as "slow" or "fast" setting. Slow-setting adhesives can take up to 10 to 12 hours to be ready for leaf application, while fast-setting adhesives tack up in about 1 to 1.5 hours, giving you a shorter window of time to work.
Another option to consider is synthetic sizing, which sets up very quickly (in about 30 to 45 minutes) and allows for a longer working time of 1 to 5 hours. This type of adhesive is ideal if you want to work on your project at a slower pace.
When applying any type of adhesive, it is important to work with a thin and even application. A little goes a long way, and you want to avoid applying too much, especially with oil-based sizes as they can take longer to set if the coat is too thick. Always follow the specific instructions for the adhesive you choose and be mindful of the temperature and humidity of your workspace, as these factors can impact the drying time.
Additionally, if you are working with plastic, it is worth noting that plastics may require little to no preparation. However, you can apply a colour coat to affect the final surface colour. This can be done using traditional colours like earth red, yellow oxide, blue, or black, or you can choose a custom colour to suit your project's needs.
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Apply the adhesive
Applying adhesive to a plastic surface before silver leafing is a straightforward process, but it requires patience and precision. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply the adhesive:
Prepare the Work Area
Cover your work surface and the floor with drop cloths or newspaper to protect them from any spills or mess. Use low-tack painter's tape to mask any areas that you do not want to be gilded. If necessary, lightly sand the plastic surface with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections. Ensure the surface is clean and free of dust before proceeding.
Choose the Right Adhesive
Select an adhesive suitable for your project. For silver leafing on plastic, a water-based adhesive is typically recommended. Popular options include Aqua Size and Wunda Size, which are designed for interior projects. If you are applying silver leaf to an oil-painted surface, you should use an oil-based adhesive instead.
Follow the instructions on your chosen adhesive for proper application. Generally, you will apply the adhesive just like paint. Use a brush or roller to coat the plastic surface evenly and smoothly with the adhesive. Avoid applying too much adhesive, as this can cause dripping or an uneven finish. Work quickly and efficiently to ensure the adhesive remains moist during application.
Allow the Adhesive to Become Tacky
After applying the adhesive, you must wait for it to become tacky before proceeding. This usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes, but the time can vary depending on temperature and humidity. Water-based adhesives will become tacky and provide a suitable surface for the silver leaf to adhere to.
Test the Tackiness
Before proceeding to the next step, ensure the adhesive has reached the proper level of tackiness. Gently touch the surface with your knuckle and then pull away sharply. If you feel a slight pull or a ticking sound but no adhesive comes off on your finger, the tackiness is ideal for silver leafing.
Prepare for Leaf Application
Once the adhesive is tacky, you are almost ready to apply the silver leaf. Gather your silver leaf sheets and, if necessary, cut them to the desired size and shape. Have a piece of tissue paper or a soft brush ready to help you lift and place the delicate silver leaf onto the adhesive surface.
Remember, applying silver leaf to plastic requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Always follow the specific instructions provided with your chosen adhesive for the best results.
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Apply the silver leaf
Firstly, prepare your plastic surface. If you want to affect the final surface colour, you can apply a colour coat. If you are applying silver leaf to an oil painting, you should use an oil-based size.
Next, apply a thin and even layer of adhesive to the entire surface. You can use a brush or your fingers to apply the adhesive. You can use a water-based adhesive for most materials, such as wood, glass, metal, or ceramic. However, if you are applying silver leaf to an oil painting, you should use an oil-based adhesive. Wait for the adhesive to become clear and dry slightly—it should take between 15 and 30 minutes to become tacky, but this may vary depending on temperature and humidity.
Now, you are ready to apply the silver leaf. Silver leaf is very lightweight, so be careful not to let it blow away. You can use a piece of tissue paper to help you lift the sheet and place it over the adhesive. Lay the silver leaf over the adhesive, leaving the tissue paper on top for a moment, then gently tap it down. Remove the tissue paper and smooth out the surface by gently rubbing a paper towel over the silver. Repeat these steps until the surface is covered.
If there are any small cracks or areas that need more silver leaf, apply a second coat of the adhesive size over the first layer where there are gaps. You can use a gilding brush or your fingers to apply the adhesive.
Finally, leave the silver leaf to dry for about one to three hours, more if it's humid, and less if it's dry. You can use a soft brush or cotton balls to remove any loose bits of silver leaf.
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Seal and protect the silver leaf
To seal and protect the silver leaf, you must first let the project cure for at least three days. After curing, remove any excess leaf using a stiff brush. Then, apply a thin coat of sealer or clear varnish. This will help prevent the silver leaf from tarnishing.
The best protective coat for a gilding surface is varnish or lacquer, which comes in either oil-based or water-based preparations that you apply with a brush. You can also use archival varnish, shellac, solvent-based or water-based sealants. Two coats of sealant are usually standard, but if you are using a water-based sealant, you may need to add more coats for added protection.
If you are using a solvent-based sealer, make sure to apply the sealant in a well-ventilated room. The chemicals in the solution may prove toxic, and as such, may have unintended health ramifications depending on the level of exposure.
You can also use wax to seal and polish the silver leaf surface. This will help remove leaf joints and burnish the surface to prevent damage when applying the next steps.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to prepare the surface. Make sure the surface is clean and ready for the silver leaf.
You can apply a colour coat to the plastic to affect the final surface colour.
Apply a water-based adhesive or size over the entire surface.
Silver leaf is very lightweight and can blow away. Use a piece of tissue paper to help you lift the sheet and place it over the adhesive.
You can apply a coating of varnish to prevent future tarnishing.
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