You can make a gilded or metallic surface on wood and metal with the help of silver, gold, copper, and aluminum leaf.Specialty products must be purchased in order to finish a piece of furniture with silver leaf.It is possible to become proficient in the process of applying leaf and burnishing it inside of a single refinishing project.
Step 1: You can find all the supplies you need at a brick and mortar store or online.
Step 2: You can buy a book of silver leaf.
You can get books that are 50 and 500 pages.A small piece of table would need 50 pages, while a large piece would require a larger book.
Step 3: If you want to save money, buy aluminum leaf instead of silver leaf.
It costs less and has the same effect as a mirrored surface.
Step 4: Decide whether you want to silver leaf the entire piece of furniture or paint some of the surfaces with silver spray paint.
If you want to save money, you can use a silver spray paint, like Rustoleum.
Step 5: You can buy a quick set of gilding.
You need this for the silver leaf.You will need regular bristle paint brushes to apply it.
Step 6: Purchase a primer or paint.
The paint color can be seen if the silver leaf is disturbed.If you are going for an antique look, try a brown paint color or a grey primer, because the cracks are subtler.
Step 7: To burnish the gold leaf, buy soft bristled paintbrushes in large sizes.
Step 8: Get a clear coat.
It has to be transparent and can be lacquer or polyacrylic.
Step 9: If the piece of furniture is chipping away, remove the paint from it.
In a well-ventilated area, apply a chemical stripper.Remove the stripper with a knife after spreading it onto the surface.When working with chemical stripper, wear protective clothing such as rubber gloves, a mask, and long-sleeved clothing.
Step 10: The furniture needs to be sanded.
If you want to get rid of scratches, start with a medium-grit paper.To smooth the surface, finish with a fine-grit paper.
Step 11: Remove the surface with a broom.
Use a tack cloth to wipe the surface.Before you start painting or leafing, you should clean your area with a shop vacuum.
Step 12: The surface should be painted with a grey primer.
If you want to paint the surface with brown paint, you should start with a layer of primer.
Step 13: Before you start leafing, let the paint cure for a day or two.
How long it will take to cure is indicated by the paint or primer instructions.
Step 14: The furniture should be painted with three-hour quick set gilding size.
You should read the package directions to find out how long it will take to lay the silver leaf.It must be dry before it becomes tacky.It will be easier to gild the large flat surface.You can move on to the sides and more complicated areas once you have the process down.If you want to leaf within one to one and a half hours, paint on gilding size.After the glue has cured, it won't work for leafing.As the surface becomes tacky, set a timer to make sure you return to your project.
Step 15: When the allotted time is over, return.
When working with silver leaf, be careful since it tears easily and can't be touched with your bare hands.
Step 16: The spine of the book should be near your palm.
If you want to see the first sheet of leaf under the book, you have to peel back the tissue paper from the top.
Step 17: Place your hand at one corner of the surface.
Press the leaf onto the furniture lightly.You don't need to press hard because the leaf will stick to the size.
Step 18: Turn to the next sheet of silver leaf when you pick up your hand.
Place your hand next to the leaf you just laid down.In the beginning, plan to overlap it by at least one-half inch.You will remove the leaf later.
Step 19: Within three hours of painting the piece of furniture, tile silver leaf all over it.
Step 20: Take your very soft bristled painters brush and brush lightly.
The areas where the leaf overlaps should be gentle.Burnishing will remove the excess leaf, but using too much pressure can break the corners.
Step 21: There are holes in the silver leaf.
Continue burning until the leaf is gone.You can still see the seams until you seal them.Rub N Buff silver color can be applied before you seal it to get rid of bare spots.
Step 22: On the other side of the furniture, repeat.
Extra care is taken with legs and drawers.It will be more difficult to apply the leaf around these areas.Before you seal the piece of furniture, burn it.If you want to spray paint silver, you should silver leaf the areas that are next to each other so that the paint has time to cure.
Step 23: If you want the easiest application, choose a spray paint sealer.
A soft-bristled brush can be used to paint a clear coat.
Step 24: Using a very gentle stroke, apply the sealer according to package direction.