Gilding. Algorithm and rules for galvanizing gold Coverage under gold do it yourself

Ancient technology with which products from various materials are attached to a rich, aesthetic appearance.

Ancient masters used for gold coating leafy gilding (tin gold) and unsafe for health technology with amalgam - mercury and gold alloy. Today, safe technologies are used in the coating of gold, for example, by galvanization.

Gold Coating Scope

If earlier the gold coating was used in jewelry, in interior items and exterior, today gilding is used in a wide variety of spheres:

In the chemical industry in obtaining paints, plastic and various materials from chemical raw materials.
In various types of transport. In cars, the gold coating is used on wires and contacts, microchips and sensors. It is used in such important control systems as ABS, responsible for the safety of the car. It is important that the thinnest layer of the gold coating gives parts high corrosive stability in aggressive environments.
In power engineering, solar panels. Adding gold nanoparticles increases their effectiveness several times.
In modern electronic devices, starting from mobile phones and ending with electronics of spacecraft.
In medicine, in diagnostic equipment, in the production of effective drugs used in the treatment of severe infections. Traditionally, the gold coating is used in implants, both in dentistry and in other areas of medicine.

Technologies of modern gilding

Mechanical, or leafy gilding

One of the ancient technologies for applying the finest sheets of gold to the surface. It is still used in the design of the decor of interiors, temples, in decorative and applied art. Sustal gilding is possible on different surfaces, but more on metals. For example, in the gilding of church domes. But technology is very expensive, which is associated with a large gold flow and is not used in small objects. The method has two versions:

Gilding conducted on oil varnish. At the same time, the surface itself can be different in the texture: metal, glass, ceramic, plastic, etc. Externally, the gold surface looks like matte, as it is impossible to achieve the golden gloss.
Gilding on adhesive basis. This technology has ancient roots and has not changed. The method is used only indoors, since the coating is afraid of the effects of atmospheric moisture.

Electrochemical gilding

In the mid-19th century, Russian scientist B.S. Jacobi, performing scientific work on electrochemistry, developed new technologies for applying coatings on metals using galvanoplasty. These developments served as an impetus to obtaining a new method of gilding - electrochemical. In this method there are two options:

Electrochemical metallization is a modern technology, with great efficiency. The coating with gold particles in this method is distinguished by durability and fine-pore. A characteristic feature of coatings made by this method is long-term operation with unchanged properties. You can apply the coating on the surface of different sizes, the product does not require disassembly. Scope from jewelry to elements used in electronics, medicine and other industries of human activities.
Galvanic gilding is currently the most popular gilding technologies. A characteristic feature of the method is that the product must be necessarily metallic, or conductive. The essence of the method is that the product in a solution of metal salt is exposed to electric current. As a result of electrolytic dissociation, metal salts are disintegrated into particles with positive and negative charges. Particles with positive charges are settled on a metal surface of a product that is gilding. Such a coating has good chemical resistance, does not react in aggressive environments. The advantages of the method are the economy of the consumption of gold, the possibility of covering in hard-to-reach, or in local places. The method is used on all types of metals and alloys.

Today, the gilding services of various items used in various fields are offered specialized companies with the necessary equipment and consumables. This allows the coating of gold products on various technologies and varying degrees of complexity.

Gold is a noble metal with aesthetic attractiveness and many valuable properties. Since in its pure form it has a high cost, the optimal solution becomes the application of a thin layer of gold on the surface of the products. There are various gilding techniques - their choice depends on the size of the subject and the goals pursued.

Scope of application of gilding

Gilding finds use in many areas of our life - perform it in protective, decorative, protective and decorative purposes. In particular, the coating of 18 and 24-carat gold allows you to give the status species of decorations from silver or metal alloys, and also helps to return the beauty of gold products that have lost their original attractiveness.

Gilding decor and household items enjoy the interior of apartments and houses - door handles, forks and spoons, cranes, frame frames, metal parts of lamps, etc. are exposed to the procedure.

All increasing interest causes the gilding of moldings, chrome inserts, car grilles, handles, key chains for keys. Practiced disk coating in gold 24 carat, 18KT / 750, 14KT / 585.

The coating is white, pink, green gold is used in the case of musical instruments, award-winning, sports accessories. Separate attention deserves the gilding of engraving, cigarettes, lighters, flakes, weapons, etc.

The finest layer of gold is sprayed on automobile, window and stained glass glass to control heat exchange in the winter and summer. Gilding is used in dentistry. It is widely used in microelectronics.

The technology implies the following main stages:

the choice of the method of gilding and the preparation of everything necessary for its implementation;
degreasing and surface etching;
coating;
finish processing.

In addition to spraying the noble metal in pure form (24 carats, 999 sample), the coating is practiced yellow, white, pink, red and green gold. Cobalt, Rhodium, Copper, Silver (Nickel) are appropriate as alloying additives. Instead of a 24-carat metal, a gold coating 18, 14, 12, 10, 9, 8 carats - a digit means the weight units of pure gold in 24 parts of the alloy.

Technology covering objects with gravestone gold

The coating of plastic, wood, metal and other materials is carried out with the thin sheets - the thickness of the graceal (facing) gold is 0.13-0.67 microns. In antiquity, gold gold was manufactured manually, today is used special equipment. Depending on the thickness of the sheet, free and transfer (on silk paper) is a tin gold. With the first to work very difficult - the slightest breathing prevents the process. A ready-made material in the books is stored - each of the 60 sheets is shifted by paper. Application of gravity gold - the process of painstaking. The technology is based on the ability of a gold-rolled gold to attract to the surface at the molecular level. There are two gilding techniques with gravestone gold: glue (for a polyment) and oil (on Mandan varnish). In the first case, it turns out a glossy, and in the second - a matte surface. The adhesive method is used when carrying out internal work.

Amalgamic gilding

Amalgamic (fire) Gilding method is another old method of applying precious metal. It is characterized by a high degree of durability, but the process itself is extremely toxic and today is not used. The essence of the method is the molecular penetration of the precious metal dissolved in mercury (in the process of firing the mercury evaporates, and the gold remains). An example of such a work is the dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg.

Galvanic gilding

The gilding process with a galvanic method today is used most often. It is applicable if conducting conductive products is carried out. The electrolyte becomes a solution of gold salts. Detail is immersed in it - when the current is passed, positively charged particles released from metal salts are settled on the surface of the product and form a smooth layer of gold.

Another best result is possible to obtain with the help of a selective method of electrochemical gilding. The use of such equipment allows ten times to increase the rate of precipitation of metal on the product. Wear resistance and hardness of the gold coating increases more than 3 times. Gold penetration occurs at the molecular level. Galvanic methods are used in the gilding of souvenir products, jewelry, dentures, etc.

Immersion gilding technique

This kind of gilding does not imply external current applications. When the parts are immersed in a solution of less electronegative metal, an immersion precipitation process occurs. After the termination of the contact exchange, it is completed. The technology includes several stages - work begins with acidic surface and micro-level cleaning, and ends with a chemical precipitation of nickel layer and subsequent application of immersion gold. The technology is used in the production of printed circuit boards, element bases, enclosures, chips and other products where ultrasonic welding or soldering is required.

Methods of chemical gilding

At home, the gilding of the decor, the coating of gold spoons, decorative colors and other metal objects is carried out by rubbing their surface of the grinding gold or immersion into the solution with zinc contact. In the first case, gold is dissolved in a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids (1: 3). The ratio of gold and a solution is 1G / 10 ml. Fluid evaporated, observing security measures. The resulting chlorine gold is combined with melted (rejected) chalk, wine stone and blood salts. After applying the paste the subject, the subject is left for a certain time. Then washed and polished it. Mixing chlorine gold with ethers perform patterns and inscriptions.

To prepare a solution for gilding from chlorine gold, the distilled water is connected to it (its temperature should be about 50-60 degrees), Potash and salt. Safety, etched acid and washed in water, immersed in solution and touch the zinc stick. After completion of the gold deposition process, the object was washed and polished. To delve into the details of the technology worth see the master class on gilding.

Gilding pencil

Another "home" method is the use of a galvanokarandasha in which the anode is the tip, and the cathode is the surface of the product. The principle of deposition is similar to a galvanic coating method, but the equipment used eliminates the use of a bath with a solution.

Noble metal not only adorns products, but also performs protective functions. The process of gilding should be entrusted to professionals - the lack of experience and the use of dangerous components often leads to undesirable consequences.

Gilding is the process of applying a thin layer of gold or its imitation. There are two kinds of gilding - gravestone gold and pope.

Sustal gold and potal - what is the difference?

GOLD LEAF

Gold leaf - Natural gold in the form of the finest sheets that are laid in the books. Classic gold gold 960 sample, but also there are other varieties. The sheets of the 960th samples have a warm yellow color of native gold, it is these gold sheets that began to be applied in ancient Russia. The rules for the production of gravity gold of the 960th sample are fixed by GOST 6902-75.

Sustal gold is suitable for use on almost any surfaces (wood, glass, ceramics, marble, china, metal, plaster, canvas, colorful layer, etc.), and is the only suitable material for the gilding of large objects, such as dome, statues, and t .P. Sustal gold can be used for gilding items inside and outside the room, it does not oxidize and does not darken.

Pottal

Applies only for internal works. It is recommended for water-repellent surfaces (glass, metal, plastic, etc.), as well as for vertical surfaces. The glue is applied with a flat brush on the prepared surface, reaches technological stickiness after 30 minutes and remains suitable for 3 hours.

Diluted with alcohol diluent.
For professionals

These funds are commonly used when working with gravestone gold.

Professional Mandan, applied for both internal and outdoor work. Suitable for any types of surfaces. The glue is applied with a flat brush on the prepared surface. The time through which it reaches technological stickiness depends on its type: slowly drying - 12 hours, quick-drying - 1.5 hours. Slowly dry mordan remains suitable for 24 hours, quick-drying - for 1.5 hours.
Diluted by White Spirit.
Rabbit (rabbit) glue
For special techniques and restoration work. Adhesive animal origin, produced in granules for the convenience of storage. Used to create an adhesive base under sheets of gravestone or sweat. To prepare glue, it is necessary to dissolve glue on a water bath (100g granulated glue by 1 liter of water) and filing with a fine grid. You can get to gilding in a few hours after applying glue.

Fish glue (gelatin)
Gelatin, as a rule, is sold in the form of flakes, which must be soaked before use in water for about 24 hours before use. After softening, you must finally dissolve the glue in the water bath. Unlike other adhesives, during water dilution, it slightly increases in volume. Gelatin is used to stick to bolus gold.

Building

Makes gold glitter with darker and dim. Used to give articles of aged form. After drying, after 12-24 hours, the bitumen varnish is fixed with shellah varnish.

Pasty bitumen is a dense, viscous substance of dark brown color. It has the same properties as ordinary bitumen. Lies almost on any surface. Dries after 12-24 hours. Recommended a lacquer coating to prevent wiping.

It is used to impart aged species to decorated subjects, and in the technique of gilding. Applied to any type of foundation. After drying, requires fastening with the finish varnish.

Finish coating

Varnish Mecca - Protective varnish, applied on gold-plated items to protect against aging and environmental impact. Two types are available: colorless and gold color. The second varnish is used if it is necessary to darken the tone of gold or give a golden shade of silver.

Varnish Tsapun. (Varnish Zapon) - Nitrocellulosic transparent varnish for the protection of products covered with Piakulia. It will quickly dry, forms a transparent protective film on glittering metal surfaces, preventing the change in color and formation of corrosion. Suitable for processing products from silver, copper, brass, bronze, tin, iron.

Water-based lacquer can oxidize pottalTherefore, if you need to use such a varnish, you first need to apply at least three protective layers of a alcohol basis.

Shellac (Pure gummilak)
After drying, the shellac forms a solid, abrasive-resistant, vitreous film. It prevents the formation of cracks and protects potal from mechanical and atmospheric influence. Ideal for gilded furniture items that are in frequent use.

Shellac is produced as in the form of flakes, from which you can independently make varnish and in the form of a ready-to-use varnish.

Instruments

Brush for the transfer of the sheet of gold / sweat on the pillow of the gilt or surface. Brushes are made of bullish hair or proteins, size ranges from №35 to №85 and more. Thanks to the use of the lamp, the finest sheets of gold / sweaty are not crushed and do not rush when transferred.

Products for gold is used to give various metal objects some properties characteristic of noble metals. This primarily helps to reduce the cost of the subject, and also gives it an attractive and aesthetic appearance. A few more benefits: gold is not susceptible to oxidation, does not contact with reagents, moisture and dampness is not afraid. In addition, the gilding improves the solder and is often used in the manufacture of microcircuits.

What is a galvanic method of gold applying

When galvanizing gilding is applied with a thin layer on the surface of various items. These objects can be metallic or made of other materials. The properties and purpose of the item itself affect the thickness of the gold coating, which can be perfect different: in one case it is millimeters, in the other - microns.

General

During electroplating, thin sheets of metal are used. The thickness of the gravestone is very small. The technology of applying gilding to the surface of objects does not change for a long time.

When gilding uses oil and glue. Special ingredients are mixed on an oil basis, which tightly hold the thin gold layer on the surface treated. Oil varnish applied to the surface makes it matte. To achieve the radiance and shine of the surface, it is covered with an additional layer.

The characteristic glitter of the product gives the adhesive base used in galvanization. This process should be carried out in special conditions. It should be paid to the humidity to achieve the best result and not disrupt technology.

Pros and cons

The galvanic method has a number of characteristic advantages. Among them are a high degree of wear resistance of materials. The reflection of light surface is also improved, resistance to corrosion increases and current conductivity is ensured.

Galvanization, except indisputable advantages, has one disadvantage. Over time due to the mechanical load, as well as under the action of other factors, the gold coating is thinned and erased. In this case, the appearance of the product deteriorates, the "native" surface is exposed, the quality of the material is changing. Small items and decorations can be reserved. The master erases the old layer and inflicts a new one. This procedure is not cheap. The cost of the work will include a method of coating and its thickness.

How the process passes

The gilding is applied in two ways: mechanical and electrochemical. The current is used, reagents are used. The master itself decides which layer of precious metal must be applied.

All work is carried out in three stages.

Priority	Actions
Preparation.	First of all, the surface is thoroughly grinding. A special abrasive paste or sandpaper is used. This is a very important stage of work, which remove rust, oxides and dirt. Then the surface is degreased by gasoline or you can take acetone.
Application gilding.	The next step is the immersion of the product in gold, which is located in special galvanic baths. To accomplish this part of the work, use the necessary equipment. Adaptations are called drums and serve as electrical energy conductors. The baths themselves have a special protective coating that protects them from destruction during an electric current.
Processing coated surface.	After the layer of gilding will cover the product being processed, the process is considered finished. Sometimes galvanization is used that the surface covered not only has acquired improved characteristics, but also increased its volume.

During the process, it is necessary to maintain high temperature and current level, apply chemical reagents. To ensure all these conditions, the necessary special equipment is required. The galvanic is used not only for the use of gold as a refusal material. It is often used to apply "non-financial" metals, such as chromium, copper or nickel.

Usually the ligature is applied, not pure gold. Metal is diluted with other elements, but this does not at all reduce the quality of the coating. The resulting shade corresponds to gold and looks noble.

What products and why cover gilding

The galvanic method of gilding surfaces was used in various spheres. This technology allows you to decorate the product and provides technical coverage in industry. Items, jewelry, technical details covered with gilding are not oxidized, are not destroyed, resistant to aggressive effects of various substances.

The electroplating coating has been widely used in the manufacture of inexpensive jewelry, which takes particular popularity from buyers of both sexes. In the manufacture of gold-plated things take products from cheaper materials, which are then covered with a thin gold layer. As a result, such products can be purchased at a more favorable price, and they look no worse than golden. Galvanics are used with the gilding of chains, bracelets, earrings, rings, hours, necklace, and even glasses. Items look very respectable, stylish and elegant.

An interesting feature: in the post-Soviet space, the population in the population, yellow-red gilding uses, and in America and European European countries - a pale yellow shade. Usually, the products are taken as the basis: copper, melchior, nickel or brass. The galvanic is also used for gilding platinum and silver. The jewelry treated in this way does not cause irritation and allergic reactions. However, sometimes these jewels can compete at a price with highly denial silver products.

Sometimes decorations or objects are covered only partially. This is done in order to give the necessary properties of gold to a separate section of the surface. In the jewelry industry, thus attach the original and unique design.

Galvanics are used in many areas. It can be applied almost to any thing, improving its characteristics and properties. Sustal gold is used to cover the domes of churches and temples, as a decoration of expensive household goods, beautiful dishes, baguettes.

Application of gilding at home

For gilding, household objects use a chemical method and galvanic. Many reagents and reagents can not buy freely. These include nitric acid, potassium cyanide and hydrochloric acid. For home gilding, it is necessary to have electrolytic baths, as well as a source of constant electricity. The master engaged in the electroplating should have theoretical knowledge, skill and experience. It is necessary to exercise caution and patience, as this is a dangerous process.

Chemical methods

Gold chloride is applied to the treated surface. The first method. For the preparation of chlorine gold, the metal is riveted with a thin layer and crushed into very small pieces. Then mix the hydrochloric and nitric acid, and only then gold is added to them. A mixture of two acids is often called royal vodka. The royal vodka is prepared as follows: 10 g of concentrated nitric acid are mixed with 30 g of salt. The number of "golden mixtures" is prepared in the proportion of ten to one. That is, one gram of gold is 10 ml of a mixture of acids (royal vodka).

For the dissolution process, deep porcelain dishes are taken. Time that will be needed, different: and two hours, and three days. After a complete dissolution of gold, the mixture is evaporated with a water bath at a temperature of 70-80˚, thoroughly stirring with a glass wand. At the end of the evaporation, a viscous substance of gold color should appear.

For the preparation of the mixture you need to take:

two liters of distilled water heated to 50-60˚;
15 g of a chlorine salt of gold;
65 g of salts of "Extra", which is a well-purified sodium chloride;
65 g Potasha - potassium carbonate.

Before starting to cover the product, the surface is degreasing with a 10-20% caustic sodium. If the piece of small can be boiled in soda solution. The surface is then treated with a 25% hydrochloric acid solution and rinsed in water.

The next step is to prepare a mixture, which includes potash, chlorine gold, hot water and sodium chloride. In the container with this solution, the product is immersed and relate to it with a zinc chop. Some time will wait and pull the gold-plated product to the surface. It is thoroughly washed in clean water, dried and brought to the mirror glitter.

The second method. Prepare a special solution:

water - 25 g;
salonic acid and nitric acid - for 25 g.

In this composition, 10 g of gold is dissolved. 300 g of potassium carbonate (Potasha) is added to the resulting mass. Next, 2 liters of water are boiled in the boiler and the prepared mixture is poured into it. Periodically stirring, "cook" all this within two hours.

While the mixture is prepared, the product is processed. It is riveted with sulfuric acid, and then nitrogen. Then there are a number of actions, in particular, the product of the brass wire (the alloy of copper and zinc) is made, make a mixture of hydrochloric, nitric and sulfuric acid and immerse them, literally for a short moment, processed by the product. Next, rinse the object in water and immerse it in mercury, and then again into the water, then lowered in the already cooked mixture. After all, they pull out, wash and dry. The dried product must be polished with a matter of wool.

Gold always attracted people, they sought to decorate themselves and the space around this precious metal. In the older times, such a luxury was the lot of only the highest layers of society and the church. With the opening of thin foil production methods, the gold finish has become more accessible than whole-grayscale or gold-covered objects. And Palk - foil from alloys, imitating natural gold, made a completely ordinary way to decorate architectural elements, furniture and interior items.

In the previous article, I talked about the various materials used for this method of decoration. Whatever you choose - natural gold or cheaper imitation of copper alloys with other metals, the basic principle of gilding techniques and the necessary tools for this are the same.

Gilding is a process that does not tolerate bustle and hurry. Therefore, on the part, it seems unavailable for the uninitiated in the sacrament: in the workshop of the golothers quietly, no one runs and does not make sharp movements, only the masters surrounded by elegant tools are engaged in their work.

This slowness and dimension is associated with a feature of the material. The gold sheet is easy to break or squeeze. The gold foil is very thin and light, so flies from the slightest blow. And it is easily electrified and can stick to any unauthorized item.

Knife and pillow

The present gilding will require a suede pad and a golden knife for cutting gilding sheets. The pad is a board, covered with thick skin, suede on the front side.

Some models have a protective screen to protect the workplace from the movement of air caused by drafts or passing by a person. A knife for cutting foil with a flexible steel blade has a rounded edge. The blade is manually polished and sharpened so as to cut the golden sheet with one movement without scoring.

Lampesenzel and other brushes

You will also need a set of brushes - natural or synthetic, different shapes and sizes. With the help of them, the treated surface is covered with levkas (ground), dust are removed, the polyment is applied, glitter adhesive, lacquer, they are used to draw parts. In general, use the same as ordinary brushes. Size, rigidity and shape are selected depending on the type of work: for elements with fine carvings and the brush apply to a smaller number.

But among the set of brushes, the gilt is a special tool with a narrow special purpose - lAMPENZEL. A flat, rectangular or fan-shaped shape, with a soft long pile - it is used to transfer sheet gold sheets or swept on the surface prepared for the gilding or pillow for cutting. Rectangular brushes are more convenient for large smooth surfaces, fan-shaped - for small parts.

There are brushes for gilding from a natural hair. Most often for their manufacture use long soft and elastic wools from the tip of the squirrel tail or synthetic fibers. Specialists advise natural lamps to apply for gravity gold and silver, and artificial - for sweat. The size of the brush and the form are selected by the need.

Cupcarzez, rats, Caesariki

The tool for dumping works is divided into draft and gold. For clearing the surface of the relief after applying the soil, the tools are used similar to the adaptations of the carver: chisels, chisels, cutters, hooks, a variety of hooks, krucarzenes, rats. As well as spatulas for applying the soil, the abrasive tool is small and large, sponges.

Agate teeth

After applying the mud and drying the adhesive layer, the surface is polished. To do this, use special polishing tools - agate teeth.

Set of polishing tools of the gilt - agate teeth. Photos from the site agat-zub.ru

They have a different shape, a complete set is 10-12 different tools. It is said that the name of the "teeth" appeared from the fact that in former times for polishing the gilding was used bear fangs. Although, most likely, they are called teeth due to their form. And they are really made of agate, so very beautiful.

In addition to the described tools, the golts are used in their work tampons from cotton or soft tissue type of batyist.

Technology of dumb jobs

The gilding process is very painstaking. Any negligence in preparatory work or when applying the gilded itself, sticking dusting or hair leads to defects on the surface of the product.

The traditional methods of gilding are polymetic and oil - very hardships, the process consists of a variety of operations. It is especially difficult to polymen, but at the same time it is more spectacular. Oil gilding is stronger.

Preparatory (draft) work

Before applying the gilding itself, the master makes a huge amount of work. First, the surface is sampled: carbon black adhesive in a few layers to strengthen the part and create a durable clutch with subsequent layers of soil - Levkasa (joinery and chalk mixtures). An opening operation is also carried out in several layers (up to nine) with a complete drying of each of them within a few hours. The soil must completely hide the drawing of the material, for example, wood. If the Levkas layer is thin, the texture can sharpen and spoil the impression of the object made of gold.

Gypsum relief covered with levkas for gilding. Photos from Gilders.ru

After applying a sufficient layer of Levkas, the embossed pattern is cleaned to return to him the clarity lost from the numerous layers of soil. After the relief is laid out, the part is polished with pimples and the tail or modern abrasive means, seeking porcelain smoothness, carefully remove dust and wipe with a damp cloth or suede.

After drying and thoroughly checking the surface on defects, you can move to the application of the polyment. To the surface prepared for gilding, should not be touched by hands - fingerprints can spoil the final result.

Gilding on a polymenta

Gilding on the polymentum allows you to obtain interesting results of a combination of various gold textures. Those parts of the relief (deepening), which will be covered by matte gold (for example, creative), tinted okra to give the gold coating a large visual depth. The remaining surface is covered in several layers of the polymer.

On the painted gold-heading place neatly, not to affect the polyment, gelatin is applied. After drying, the surface covered with a polymer is polished with a cloth. For a larger matte effect, concave parts of the relief can be coated first with silver sheets, and then gold.

The prepared polymetic layer is wetted by dilute vodka, and then to the treated area are transferred with a lamp-lamp or golden knife of a sowing gold. Dimensions of foil pieces (stuffs) depend on the details of the relief: larger pieces or whole sheets are used for large elements. Water wets the fish glue, which is part of the polymentus, the alcohol evaporates and a piece of gold foil is drawn in a layer of the polyment and glued.

Gold sheets are stacked so that there are no lumen, "nourished", are growing up to the surface with a cotton swab or ordinary squirrel brush (in recesses). If uncoated places remain between the elements of the foil, they impose "patchwork" from small pieces.

After about an hour, the surface covered with gilding can be polished. Before that, it is necessary to safely dream the residues of the gilding with a dry brush. Covering gold follows only such an area that can be placed on the same day.

Oil gilding

The method of gilding on oil preparation is simpler, although it will also require the implementation of rough primer work. The soil is selected depending on the basic material. For wooden, gypsum or performed in the technique of papier-mache elements in the same way as in the case of gilding to the polyment, you can use Levkas. Metal parts are processed by primer for metal. After drying the soil, the surface is stained into yellow-golden tones for the coloring of the gold coating.

Gold plated wooden frame. Photos from Drevox.com

The prepared area is covered with varnish in several layers with a complete drying and grinding of each layer: the smoother there will be a surface, the better the result. Then Lacmorda is applied. Its composition may be different, now there are also synthetic preparations with different "life time" - from 12 to 1.5 hours.

For large surfaces, it is worth choosing for more drying compositions. Mordan dried to the state of "on the low" - when the surface seems to be dried, but when touched it sticks.

Works a gilt. Photos from BizSol.co

The time specified by the manufacturer, approximate, drying depends on the humidity and temperature. Therefore, it is necessary to make a sample, where to control the degree of drying of the varnish - the gold foil should be firmly adhered and well smoothed a tampon. If the gilding is shifted when smoothing, gold is "sinking", you should still dry the lacquer. The gold is not glued at the poured mordan. In this case, it is necessary to completely dry the applied layer and coat again. As described earlier, the surplus gilding is cleaned with a brush and the surface is polished.

Although the process of gilding seems difficult, most importantly in it - the ability to painstaking work and attention to all details. It is worth trying your hand in this type of decoration. The following material will be discussed about the use of this technique.