Steps And Items Needed To Apply Gold Leaf To Wood Frame
If you want to apply gold leaf to your wooden frame yourself without wasting your precious time then you just need to collect all the given items and then follow all the given steps. Here are the item list and steps for this process:
Things You Will Need For This Project
- Newspaper Or Drop Cloth
- Fine-Grit Sandpaper
- Rubbing Alcohol (Optional)
- 1-Inch Foam Paintbrushes
- Bole
- Water-Based Size
- Gold Leaf
- Gilding Tip Brush (Optional)
- Mop Brush Or Makeup Brush
Steps For This Process
After collecting all the required items, now you need to follow all the mentioned steps:
- First of all, spread the newspaper or drop cloth in order to create your work area. Turn off any fan in your room as well as close windows & doors. This is due to the fact the breeze can take away the gold leaf.
- Next, you need to sand the wooden picture frame in order to create a soft and smooth surface. If your frame is made up of plastic or metal then wipe your frame with rubbing alcohol to remove the dirt and oil from it and then wipe your frame clean and then dry it for few minutes.
- Now, you need to apply a coat of your colored primer(called the bole), to the entire surface of your wooden frame. Bole is mostly available in 2 types of colors for the gold leafing, 1st is a warn red for a glowing, burnished finish and 2nd is yellow for a bright gold finish. Now paint the bole by using the paintbrush(small foam) in even strokes. Let your wooden frame dry wholly.
- Next, you need to paint a coat of adhesive(gold leafing) called size. Size(water-based) is the best choice for you, if you are a beginner, as the size dries to a tack finish faster as we compare it to the oil-based size.
- Now you need to wait until the water-based size is now tacky but not dried wholly. When it is ready, the water-based size will be clear alternatively of milky. Touch the applied size lightly with the knuckle. The size should stick lightly on your skin and then make a slight click when you pull the knuckle away. Depends on the weather conditions & thickness of the applied coat, water-based size is commonly ready within 20 to 60 minutes after application.
- Next, you need to start gilding on the back of your wooden picture frame, lift a square of gold leaf from the packet or container, by using your fingers or by a soft gliding tip brush. Lay the leaf onto the top edge of your wooden picture frame.
- Now burnish the gold leaf with the help of a gilding mop brush or by using a fluffy large makeup brush. Use your selected brush to smooth the gold leaf over the picture frame and wipe the creases or air bubbles. Gently press your leaf into nooks or crevasses on your frame.
- Continue to place the square of your gold leaf, slenderly overlapping each piece for the entire coverage. Use the mop brush to smooth every piece of leaf, wipe the small crumbs of gold and then turn your frame over & then leaf the front as you do before.
- Burnish your entire wooden picture frame until the gold is shiny & smooth. Rub your mop brush in gentle circles over your gold leaf and smoothing away any air bubbles and wrinkles. If you see any hole there in the leaf, then fill them with small pieces of gold by using the mop brush to smooth them into place.
- Next, give your frame final burnishing with the help of your mop brush. Smooth all the rough edges or small crumbs of gold.
- This is your final step, simply seal your gold leaf, if desired by using a protective glaze. The clear glaze will leave a bright and shiny gold. If you want the aged look then use an antiquing glaze. Spray the glaze over your wooden picture frame in a light and even coat, then let dry wholly.
Tips
- You need to know that the gold leaf is sold in the packs of 25 sheets. Size depends on the gold leaf brand, but usually, each gold leaf will be either three and a half or five inches square. Measure the wooden picture frame and then purchase enough gold leaf to cover it wholly.
- Let the gilded picture frame dry at least 24 hours before the use.