When
you absolutely, positively must get a gold leaf job done the same day as you
start, use a fast size, which sets up in about an hour and has an open time of
one to two hours. Open time can vary greatly from one brand to another, so you
need to test how fast the size sets up.
When
working with 23-karat gold, most professional gilders prefers using a slow
size, such as the Charbonnel LeFranc 12- hour size. For most commercial
projects the slow size has a number of advantages. Real gold leaf
burnishes to a much brighter shine when using the slow size. Its
longer window of workability also allows for those inevitable everyday
interruptions.
In
selecting a “slow size” there are two primary considerations. The first concern is how quickly the size comes to tack.
In other
words, how long will it take
before the size is ready to gild. 12-hour size typically is ready to gild in 12
hours. However, since companies, such as
Charbonnel, have removed the lead from
their formulations, some gold sizes take
slightly longer to come to tack. This
can be frustrating for some gilders.
Keep
in mind that temperature and humidity can affect how quickly a size comes to
tack. To gauge the readiness of the size for gilding, brush some size on a test
panel. When the size is ready you can
run your knuckle over the size and it will squeak without any residue on your
knuckle.
If
you are working with real gold leaf, the size should be nearly dry. Metal leaf
requires the size to be a bit tackier to hold the thicker material in place.
The
second consideration is the open time
for the size. On larger projects, you will want a longer open or working time.
In evaluating both the Charbonnel Le Franc size and the Rolco slow size, open
time was the main differentiating factor.
In my experience, the Le Franc size comes to tack between 12 and 14
hours and can remain tacky enough for gilding up to36 hours. By comparison,
the Rolco size comes to tack faster but the
window for working slams shut rather
quickly.
Before
applying oil size, be sure to filter it through a paint strainer to remove any
particles of dried size which may have formed.
To
apply the size, many gilders use a lettering quill for flat surfaces. As an alternative, try using a white hog bristle fitch, if you are gliding a
carving or other 3 dimensional surface. This fitch has much shorter hair length
and the hairs are stiffer. For this
reason, a fitch gets the size into the nooks and crannies of a surface. It also does a better job of brushing out any
puddling.
 |
| After gilding the carving with metal leaf, it was chemically patinated with Liver of Sulfur and the waxed. |
Vinyl Application Videos
Squeegee Technique. Nothing is more basic in vinyl application than the squeegee. But some squeegees work better than others. And there are right ways and wrong ways to use this simple tool. This video clip reviews squeegee selection, squeegee care and squeegee technique. Click to Link
Wet Applications. Dry applications are typically recommended for most vinyl applications. For those exceptions to the rule, this instructional video explains the right way to perform a wet application. Click to Link
Application of Window Graphics. Installing vinyl graphics on glass can be challenging, because the adhesive aggressively grabs onto this high energy surface. Repositioning graphics on window is generally difficult, if not impossible. This instructional video explains how to dry apply window graphics right the first time. It also describes the necessary steps required for surface preparation. Click to Link
Transferring Frosted Window Graphics Films. Because frosted window films are highly textured, transferring cut vinyl graphics can be problematic. This video provides direction in selection of the right application tape and how to apply these films quickly, easily and without problems. Click to Link
3-Step Surface Prep. This instructional video describes how to properly clean the surface of a vehicle before applying pressure sensitive vinyl graphics to a trailer or doing a full wrap of a car or van. This three step surface prep involves detergent washing, solvent cleaning and a final wipe down with IPA. Click to Link
Vinyl Application Over Rivets. Applying vinyl graphics on vehicle surfaces with rivets is challenging for most sign makers. Vinyl failures to these surfaces are all too common. This video demonstrates some tips and procedures, used by professional decal installers, which will make these demanding applications easier and more trouble-free. Click to Link
Vinyl Application to Corrugations. Learn how to apply vinyl graphics to corrugations in a relaxed state. Forcing films into the valleys of corrugations puts too much mechanical stress on the film. Sooner or later, the vinyl will lift or tent in valleys. Click to Link
Applying Air Egress Vinyls. Vinyl films with air egress release liners have almost eliminated bubbles and wrinkles from applied graphics. Air egress release liners with their highly textured surface structure are problematic. Not much will stick to these liners other than the vinyl film. At RTape our best premask solution for air egress liners is a special Conform® tape called 4761RLA. Click to Link
About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.
Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer. Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.
Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for publications, such as Signs Canada, SignCraft, Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 325 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published. Vinyl Sign Techniques is available at sign supply distributors and at Amazon.
© 2016 Jim Hingst
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