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Gilded Planet Project Advice
Get advice for your gilding project from professional gilders. Any project, big or small, we'll help you find the best solutions for your gilding project.
Even with the best resources available, and the best tools, we found ourselves facing the 'unusual project'. And that's where the human factor enters. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced Master Gilder, we're here to help. Go ahead, throw the proverbial 'mud' against our wall (in this case, elegantly golden mud)! Let see if we can help it stick!
How we can help...
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First, utilize the extensive learning tools here at The GildedPlanet.com! Search the Gilded Planet Blog Or, tell us about your project! We can help with methods and techniques, work with you on determining the correct material selection for your unique project, whether interior or exterior - waterbased or oil. We'll also calculate the required marterials based on sqft or object dimensions. We are here to help! - Email our Master Gilder at goldsmith@gildedplanet.com - Call us at 415.407.5097 |
We believe there are 3 steps to success -
Knowledge - Tools - Support. That's why we are here.
Knowledge - The more you know, the better you are equipt for success.
Tools - We all know we are only as good as the materials we use. Quality does matter. From good quality Chinese leaf to high-end European supplies, you can find all the gilding supplies your project requires. And if you can't... ask us!
Support - Because even the most seasoned artists need help every now and again. Two heads are better than one. We'll work with you to help you succeed, this time, every time!
Learning
Video Tutorials
With new vidoes added regularly, the Gilded Planet is recognized as the industry leader.
Step-by-step tutorials
How to Aluminum and Imitation Silver Lead
How to apply leaf to ceiling and walls
Exterior Gold Leafing Techniques
Gilding over Metal Surfaces - Bronze, brass, steel, iron, aluminum
Gilding over Stone Surfaces - Marble, Granite, Sandstone, Concrete, Brick
It's all in the details!
| Material | Size | Quantity | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Leaf Pack | 3 3/8" x 3 3/8" | 500 leaves | 39.5 sqft. |
| Gold Leaf Book | 3 3/8" x 3 3/8" | 25 leaves | 1.98 sqft. |
| Metal Leaf Pack | 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" | 500 leaves | 100 sqft. |
| Metal Leaf Book | 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" | 25 leaves | 5 sqft |
| Gold Leaf Master Roll | 4 1/8" x 69 ft. | Master Roll | 23.5 sqft. |
| Silver Leaf Master Roll | 5 3/4" x 82 ft. | Master Roll | 39 sqft. |
| Metal Leaf Roll 5 meter | 6 1/4" sq. x 15 ft. | Master Roll | 3 sqft. |
| Metal Leaf Roll 50 meter | 6 1/4" x 164 ft | Master Roll | 82 sqft. |
| Metal Leaf Roll 75 meter | 6 1/4" x 246 ft. | Master Roll | 123 sqft. |
Measurements are calculated without consideration for waste or overlap.
The skinny on All things leaf!
Surface Gold - Surface gold leaf may have a few irregularities and is often used where double gilding is required or the leaf will be distressed or toned.
Loose Gold - A book of loose gold leaf is assembled by placing each piece of gold leaf between pieces of thin rouged paper. The gilder can then remove one leaf at a time without disturbing the remaining leaves. It is removed from the book with a gilder's tip, a flat natural hair brush.
Glass Gold This term applies to gold leaf which is selected for it's higher quality having fewer pinholes and irregularities.
Double Gold Double gold does not mean that the leaf is two times thicker than regular leaf. Double leaf may be only 10% to 20% thicker than regular gold leaf. Double means that it is a heavier gram weight per 1000 leaves than standard gold at the same karat level.
Patent Gold Patent gold leaf, also referred to as transfer leaf, is gold leaf mounted to special tissue paper by a pressure process. A book of patent gold leaf is assembled by placing each unit of gold leaf and tissue paper between pieces of thin rouged paper. The gilder can then remove one leaf at a time without disturbing the remaining leaves.
Patent leaf is removed from the book without the aid of a gilder's tip. The leaf will stay on the tissue until it is pressed onto the prepared surface and the tissue backing is removed. This form of gold leaf is necessary for outdoor work or where conditions would make loose leaf unmanageable. Patent gold leaf is not suitable for water gilding and is best suited for flat surfaces.
Patent gold leaf is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity and needs to be stored properly. Store patent leaf in a damp environment of about 80% humidity wrapped in plastic wrap. This helps to prevent the moisture content of the tissue paper from fluctuating.
Patent leaf may become loose on the tissue paper if stored in a dry warm environment. To correct this problem, the book of patent leaf needs to be stored in a humid environment under pressure to 'remount' the leaf to the paper. If the leaf was stored in a very hot and humid environment, the leaf may adhere too tightly to the paper. To correct this problem, store patent the patent leaf in a refrigerator or a dry cool place.
Gilded Building details made from wood, stone, fiberglass and metal take on the dynamic qualities of gold - its luster and color. The correct selection of gold leaf, its gold content and thickness, will ensure a long lasting gilded ornament.