Create a dramatic metallic surface with gold leaf or other types of metal leaf on most painting surfaces. The last step in this demonstration seals the leaf to inhibit tarnishing, and to enhance adhesion between paint and leaf. For more information on leaf, see Essential Tips for Metallics.
Before applying the leaf, consider your preference for the final outcome. The smoother the surface under the leaf, the more glossy and shiny the leaf appears, while a textured surface such as canvas or those with applied textural grounds offer a softer satin appearance. Prepare the surface accordingly by following Technique 5 to smooth a surface or Technique 3 for adding texture. The smooth premade wood panel used in this technique needs no preparation. If desired, paint the surface with your preferred acrylic paint color. It will only be visible in small areas where the leaf does not stick.
Substrate
Any painting surface
Tools
A large flat soft paintbrush, a small flat stiff-bristled paintbrush, rag (or cotton balls or cheesecloth), waxed paper
Products
Gold or metal leaf in square sheets, oil or water-based leaf sizing, solvent-based clear gloss acrylic (i.e. MSA Gloss Varnish for brush application or Golden’s Archival Spray Gloss)
For Clean Up
Water, water container, paper towels or rags
STEP 1 Apply Adhesive to the Surface
Using a soft brush, apply leaf adhesive (also called glue or sizing) to the dry surface in a very thin layer. Do not dilute the size with water to thin, instead work quickly with moderate pressure on the brush to spread it thinly. To avoid applying thickly, see how far a small amount of sizing can extend instead of continually loading up the brush. Let dry until sizing goes from wet to tacky, about 20 minutes in average climates. This can stay tacky for up to 24 hours giving ample time to apply the leaf. Test for correct tack by touching the applied adhesive lightly with your knuckle. If size is tacky but still stays on the surface and doesn’t transfer to your knuckle, it’s ready. Like most acrylic products, the sizing is white when wet and dries clear.
STEP 2 Handling the Metal Leaf
Cut a piece of waxed paper slightly larger then the square leaf. Lower this firmly down onto the leaf and with the side of your hand wipe gently over all the wax paper area creating static which temporarily sticks the leaf to the wax paper.
STEP 3 Adhere the Leaf
The leaf, attached to the waxed paper, can now be easily carried to your support and positioned over the area it will be placed. Take a moment to see where it’s going, then lower it down. Rub gently with your hand over the wax paper and leaf so the leaf transfers, sticking to the size. Remove the wax paper. Repeat with more leaf, allowing each square to generously overlap with each other, until the surface is fully leafed.
STEP 4 Fix Gaps as Necessary
For gaps accidentally occurring between squares, simply fill in with smaller pieces of leaf using your hand.
STEP 5 Burnish the Leaf
Using a cotton ball, soft cloth or cheesecloth, rub the entire surface using firm pressure over wax paper to protect the leaf while burnishing all leafed areas.
STEP 6 Clean off Excess Leaf
Gently pick off the excess leaf in overlapped areas using a small stiff bristle brush. Let dry at least three days.
STEP 7 Seal the Surface
Sealing the leafed surface allows easier applications of subsequent paint layers. It also protects the leaf from abrasive techniques that use sanding or removing paint layers. Sealing enhances adhesion for paint layers (important for some imitation leaf that is coated with wax by the manufacturer). Sealing inhibits imitation leaf from tarnishing by exposure to air or ammonia (a common ingredient in acrylic products). Seal using a spray for textured surfaces or brush apply for light texture or smooth surfaces using a solvent-based clear gloss acrylic. Companies that sell leaf usually sell an appropriate sealer.
After applying the sealer, let dry a few days then apply a thin coat of an acrylic (polymer) gloss medium (do not dilute with water) for additional protection. The leaf surface is now ready to overpaint or use with other techniques in this book.