Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Dec 15, 2006 01:30am | #1

   It looks like "gold leaf" which is available in numerous colors.  Once the leaf is applied, the process is called gilding, it can be antiqued by the usual methods.  Gold leaf is tissue thin real metal that is attached to the wood surface with a special glue.  It is possible that the undercoat is simply a metallic paint but I can't tell from the photograph. 

   Gilding is quite an ancient art but there is good information available on how to apply it.  It takes some skill and some practice to do it well but it isn't all that hard to learn.  Only a few special tools are needed to work with the leaf.

   John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking Magazine

1. 
   Rooms | Dec 15, 2006 03:21am | #3

   John,

   Thanks for the quick reply. I've seen a bit of gilding, but this is different. The photo does not show the detail very well, but you can see some of the yellow & browns of the wood showing through.

   I think that Earlkelly is on the right track with a bronze in lacquer or some other carrier.

   Thanks again,

   Rooms

2. 
   EarlKelly | Dec 15, 2006 01:39am | #2

   More than likely a factory piece. So, it's probably a bronzing powder in Laquer. The secret is to discover which color. Doesn't look like Antique Gold maybe a Classic Gold.

   Then glaze and tone over that. Which will really tone the Gold down.

   AS an Edit: Gilding waxes, ie; Rub and Buff will accomplish the same look. But need to be sealed carefully before proceding with glazing etc.

   Furniture...the Art of a FurnitureMaker

   
   

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   Edited 12/14/2006 5:44 pm by EarlKelly

1. 
   Rooms | Dec 15, 2006 03:27am | #4

   EarlKelly,

   Thanks for the response. I would judge that the piece is factory made.

   I think you are correct about the bronze in lacquer of some other type of carrier. I think from what I see that that could very well be the right  kind of a process. I have used one of those liquid leafing products a long time ago. I'll run some samples. Sounds like it has real potential.

   Regards,

   Rooms

3. 
   Omah | Dec 15, 2006 05:30am | #5

   There's definately a gesso or white paint under the gold.

4. 
   peter28 | Dec 30, 2006 02:41am | #6

   Rooms,

   I don't know if this reply is too late, but here's an easy way to do this;

   Get a small bottle of Liquitex Gesso available at a good art supply store. This is an acrylic gesso. It's purpose is to provide a porcelain like surface upon which to gild. Do a couple of samples to get the feel of the product. READ THE DIRECTIONS. A soft water color brush is good for application. Keep the coats thin, let it dry well and then give it a light sanding to remove any ridges. The grit of the paper can be 600 to 1200 depending on the quality of your applications. After sanding I'll also lightly burnish the surface with a small pad just slightly dampened with a little water. Be careful here so you don't ruin the surface. Be sure and make some samples. This is actually easy to do, it just takes a bit of practice.

   If you have never gilt with leaf, there is an easy way to imitate the gold ground. It is called "flash gilding" and is done with mica powders.

   Brush a thin coat of shellac on the gesso and let dry.

   Next you need to apply a "size" or an adhesive. You can use acrylic or oil size. For a quick job, use the acrylic. Rolco makes one called Aquasize. I'm sure Liquitex does also. Apply a thin coat and when it " comes to tack" it is ready . This term refers the dryness of the size. For an acrylic size this is around 15 to 30 minutes.

   Using the mica powders is easy. You can make a bob for your finger out of a very soft cloth( silk works very well for this) Simply load the bob and stroke the surface. Another way I do it is to apply it with a brush keeping the powder running in front of the brush.

   Some colors you might consider are, Majestic gold ( light) antique gold( deeper and a bit like bronze) There are 30 or 40 colors of micas. Check out New York Central Art Supply. I know Woodworkers supply has them but in very limited colors.

   Blow off the excess powder, seal with shellac and you have a quick gold ground to do further glazing on. You could use bronze powders also. They will do the same thing but are toxic while the micas are not.

   The glaze can applied, sealed and finished as required or if this is the last thing you do you can use colored waxes to "antique" it.

   Use your imagination and have some fun.

   Of course, you could also gild with leaf ,but that's for another day.

   Peter

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

1. 
   Rooms | Dec 30, 2006 03:51am | #7

   Peter,

   Thank you for the detailed reply. I do appreciate it.

   Happy New Year! 

   Regards,

   Rooms

1. 
   peter28 | Dec 30, 2006 07:45am | #8

   Rooms,

   Your welcome. Have fun.

   Happy New Year,

   Peter