You can enhance the metallic sheen of metal leaf and metallic paints with smooth surfaces and gloss layers.
Substrate
Any smooth 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 sheets, oil or water based leaf sizing, solvent-based clear gloss acrylic, acrylic (polymer) gloss medium or gel
For cleanup
Water, water container, paper towels or rags
Fluid Iridescent Gold (Fine) brush applied over canvas.
Fluid Iridescent Gold (Fine) knife applied over a smooth surface.
Imitation gold leaf applied over canvas.
Imitation gold leaf applied over a smooth surface.
Iridescent metallic paints or leaf over textured surfaces yield softly reflective sheens. Smooth underlying surfaces, however, yield highly reflective sheens. Use the following process to enhance reflective sheens for metallic paints or metal leaf.
The smoother the surface the higher the reflective sheen. Here are three options:
• Purchase a panel pre-made with a smooth surface, such as hardboard or masonite.
• Brush apply a paint color or acrylic gesso on the surface. Let dry. Wet sand as instructed in Step 1, Technique 12.
• Pour an acrylic medium over the surface following instructions in Technique 25 for a “surfboard finish.”
Over the smooth surface, apply metal leaf following all steps in Technique 1.
Adding layers of gloss over the leaf increases the reflective quality. Here are three options to try over sealed leaf (Step 7, Technique 1):
• Brush apply or spray one or more coats of acrylic gloss medium. Let it dry in between coats.
• Knife apply a thick acrylic gloss gel and let it dry.
• Pour a clear gloss acrylic over the leaf using Technique 25.
Acrylic paint color creates the abstract landscape imagery and is painted over a high gloss leafed surface. Some of the leaf surface was left unpainted so it is still visible.
TURQUOISE SKY
Nancy Reyner
Acrylic and gold leaf on panel
16" × 12" (41cm × 30cm)
This steel surface is colored with an acid patina, embellished with acrylic, and further enhanced with a final industrial clear coat.
VEIL
Destiny Allison
Acid and acrylic on steel
48" × 48" (122cm × 122cm)