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Gilding acrylic / metal leaf onto acrylic.
I have a project where I need to replicate a distressed / antique gilded / gold leaf look onto an acrylic panel. The end result will only required a life span of 30 days onsite.
So I am about to experiment with using metal leaf ( imitation gold leaf ) onto acrylic sheet.
I have very limited knowledge of gilding and working with gold leaf. I’m assuming I use an acrylic based adhesive such as the range from polyvine.. or would I be better to use the more traditional gelatine capsules / colnasol ? to fix the leaf to the sheet material ?
I know its a bit of a strange mix of materials but has anyone done this in the past ?
any advice would be greatly appreciated !
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5 Replies
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How big an area Dave?
Never tried this but I would imagine the problem would be getting the glue to go off. -
Two lines of text with an overall length of approx 1500mm cap height approx 100mm.
Also forgot to mention that this installation will be inside, not an outside or outside facing window if that makes a difference.
Harry would there be a difference between the glue / solution going off on glass to acrylic ?
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quote Dave Harrison:Harry would there be a difference between the glue / solution going off on glass to acrylic ?
No, now that you mention it, probably not.
Just have a feeling that it might be trickier than you think.
I am assuming you are using a cut vinyl stencil and not brush?If that is the case what about using a good metallic gold spray and then distressing…for a short term job might be a simpler learning curve.
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Yes thats the back-up plan, I have an airbrush & small touch up gun at the ready. I have never been that convinced with gold effect paint and getting paint to stick to acrylic has always caused me problems.
I’m thinking that the imperfections in my poor attempt at gilding may add to the effect my client is looking for. Well that’ s my idea. They’ll probably have another idea !Anyway i have an old book with a few sheets of 12ct leaf so will have a play tomorrow.
I’ll let you know how I get on.
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Hi Dave – given the short span I’d probably go down the tinted gold size route myself. If using a vinyl stencil I’d use a scourer on the acrylic after applying the stencil before the size to help it key better. Once the tackiness has gone off the size (drag the back of a finger across it to get a feel of this) leaf as usual. 🙂
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