Gold Leaf: To Clear or Not To Clear

1Most gilders agree that for most sign applications, you should not clear coat 23-karat gold leaf.  What differentiates gold from other metals is its brilliance. Clear coating diminishes its shiny surface.

But as with all rules, there are exceptions. If it is likely that the general public will put their grubby mitts on the gilded surface, by all means clear coat it. Remember body oils and perspiration will tarnish the gold.

Read more »

Adhesion to Powder Coated Paints

Why Pressure Sensitive Materials Fail to Adhere to Powder Coated Surfaces?   Adhesion failures of pressure sensitive materials, such as labels, decorative films, foam tapes and graphic panels, to powder coated substrates are quite common.  Just as there are several reasons for these failures, there are several steps that the fabricator can take to avoid […] Read more »

Traditional Water Gilding

While you might have experience in oil gilding exterior signage or water gilding on glass, you may never have attempted traditional water gilding, or what is also called bole gilding. This technique is used for interior applications, primarily gilding wood picture frames. The process involves coating the wood with several layers of gesso and clay […] Read more »