Foto von Tevei Renvoyé auf Unsplash
Gold leaf can help add a bit of sparkle and elegance to your artwork. It is a great medium that you can use to add a shimming and unique aspect to your work. While it can look intimidating to use, if you haven’t used it before, gold leaf is much simpler than you first realize.
It is important that you use genuine gold leaf sheets for crafts. Since, this gold leaf will be easier for you to work with and look better at the end. We have created this article, to teach you how you can apply gold leaf to your artwork.
Supplies You Need
You don’t require many supplies when applying gold leaf.
There are both real and imitation gold leaf sheets out there for crafts. We would suggest you use real gold sheets for crafts, as this will provide you with a much better finish.
You should also think about buying gold leaf adhesive, which is what helps the gold leaf to stick. In addition to, gold leaf sealer, which you apply afterward to prevent the gold leaf from tarnishing.
You can use a thin coat of varnish or paint as the adhesive if you don’t want to purchase the specific glue.
Applying Gold Leaf Steps
By following these steps, you can apply your gold leaf to your artwork in no time.
Step 1: Add A Background Color
Always paint a background layer before adding any gold leaf to a piece. Since gold leaf can occasionally show through after application, this method is best instead of applying gold leaf directly to the canvas.
A color shining through is more attractive than a white canvas, making the item look more cohesive as a whole.
Before continuing on to the following stage, ensure your background layer is totally dry.
Step 2: Add Your Adhesive
It’s now time to cover your canvas with the gold leaf adhesive. Keep in mind when brushing on gold leaf that it will adhere to any area of the canvas where you add glue.
Applying a thin layer of gold leaf adhesive is crucial. Your gold leaf will develop holes if it’s too damp. Just a tiny bit of the adhesive should be added to your brush before you delicately stroke the canvas.
Keep in mind that the gold will stick wherever you apply glue. Yet, you could always cover any mistakes up with paint.
Step 3: Apply The Gold Leaf
While applying the gold leaf to the glue, try to lay it down as flatly as you can. When dealing with the gold leaf, be very gentle, since the sheets are quite delicate. Also, gold leaf sheets are small, so you will have to overlap some sheets to cover all your adhesive.
On the canvas wherever you have applied the adhesive, gently place your first sheet. Make every effort to arrange it flat and evenly. By lightly tapping with your finger, you can ensure the sheets are laying flat.
Avoid trying to remove any gold leaf before it has dried because doing so will result in holes in your gold leaf.
Step 4: Removing Any Excess
You can begin removing the excess gold leaf once the glue and gold leaf are entirely dried. Simply use your finger or a paintbrush to carefully brush the excess away.
You don’t have to throw the excess away, as the small flakes can be used in another piece of artwork.
Step 5: Sealing Your Gold Leaf
It’s time to seal the piece after you’ve applied the gold leaf and are satisfied with the outcome.
The gold leaf sealant should be generously applied on top of the gold leaf. If it slightly overlaps your paint layers, that’s alright; just make an effort to keep as much of the sealant as you can on the gold.
While you apply the sealant, it will appear a little murky, but when it dries, it will become clear, allowing you to see the lovely gold sheen. With the help of this sealer, the gold is shielded from deteriorating over time, leaving you with a gorgeous product that will last.
Conclusion
Gold leaf is easy to apply to your artwork. It is important when applying gold leaf that you use the right adhesive and seal the gold leaf afterward. This allows the gold leaf to stay protected and last longer.
We hope this article has been helpful, and you now understand how to apply gold leaf to your artwork.