Among the Flowers and Grasses - stages of development

Experiments with metal leaf:

I have been learning how to incorporate imitation metal leaf in to my mixed media artworks.

A metal leaf, also called composition leaf or schlagmetal, is a thin foil used for gilding. Metal leaves come in many different shades and even some variegated forms. Some metal leaves may look like gold leaf but do not contain any real gold. I have tried imitation gold, silver and copper leaf.

Transfer leaf is pressed onto a backing sheet of acid free tissue paper. It is generally used for gilding onto flatter surfaces and I have used it on board and cradle panels so far.

I was really pleased with how reflective it is possible to get the metal leaf surface. It really catches the light beautifully and causes the image to change as you move through the day, or view it from different angles.

Real precious metal leaf such as genuine pure silver and gold leaf tend to be more expensive and delicate than other metal leaf (copper, imitation gold and variegated leaf). Imitation gold is slightly thicker than real gold leaf, less expensive and you get a lot more for your money BUT it will tarnish if it’s not sealed due to its high copper content. Genuine gold leaf with a higher rating of 22cts will not tarnish. Real silver leaf will tarnish unlike the cheaper aluminum leaf version.

Applying a first layer of gesso on wooden cradle board

Materials ready to start leafing process

Materials and media used:

First I applied a layer of gesso to my board as a base layer to seal the wood and then over this I applied a warm colour acrylic. I chose a colour that I felt would show through the leaf successfully, as I tend to add and then remove paint to build up textures.

Be aware that metal leaf is so thin that any texture underneath will show through, so you may wish to prepare the surface of your support to be as smooth as possible. I quite like the brush marks showing, as it adds to the texture of my surface.

Then I used an acrylic size on top of the painted layer. There are several on the market and they tend to have quite long drying times to allow for the process of applying the metal leaf. Just follow the instructions on the bottle.

Lifting up the copper leaf with wax paper - rub for a static surface.

What next?

So I left the size for the recommended amount of time to become tacky. Then for the exciting part, applying the leaf.

NOTE: You don’t want any breeze, so close any windows.

LEAF APPLICATION – You have to lift each sheet of the leaf and carefully place it where you would like gilded. I lift it by placing a sheet of wax paper over the top and rubbing gently to smooth it in place, this creates a static to lift and stick the leaf onto the paper. Then place the leaf in position over the adhesive and gently rub down with your hand and then remove the wax paper. I overlap the squares of leaf so there is some excess at the edges.

Sometimes the leaf goes astray and you might get gaps. DON’T PANIC.

You can easily go back and fill gaps with the excess from the edges.

CLEANING OFF EXCESS LEAF – Once the size glue is fairly dry, you need to use a soft brush or cloth to brush away the excess leaf from the canvas or wood panel. (THIS IS A MESSY PART.)

Rub the gold down firmly with a soft piece of cloth to get a good shine. Then let it dry thoroughly, usually about three days or the curing time listed on the bottle, before sealing it in the next step. It needs to have air reach it to finish the curing process and become hard and stable.

I like to save the excess metal leaf bits for future use and to fill any holes. Repeat the process above to fill any holes.

Once cured, you need to seal the gold leaf to prime the metal surface for the acrylic paint. It needs to be sealed, as it is thin and delicate and can be scratched, but can also tarnish if not sealed. I have tried shellac and other gloss varnish for this stage. I apply a couple of layers, to allow for my rough handling.

Adding more metal leaf on top of acrylic paint is fine, but be aware that acrylic needs a few days to cure and let all the volatiles gas-off, so don’t add size on top right away, give it a few days so you don’t seal the surface too soon. Be sure to use an acrylic-based size and test a bit to make sure it adheres. You will need to seal the leaf each time you apply a new layer.

Cradle panel covered in overlapping sheets of copper leaf

Filling the holes in a copper leaf surface

Polishing off the excess gold leaf - saving the bits

A finished copper leaf cradle panel - ready to paint

How do I paint over the metal leaf?

I really like the shiny metal showing through the paint. If you use transparent acrylic colours it will allow some of the metal leaf to shine through the colour (especially if painted on thinly or in a glaze), while opaque colours will completely cover over the metal leaf, and metallic paints will be less shiny than the metal leaf.

I use a final gloss varnish over my painting to keep the shine in place.

How has metal leaf been used in the past?

Metal leaf has been used in art for centuries. In ancient times pure gold was beaten down into thin sheets of metal. This technique dates as far back to ancient Egyptian times seen in relics and artefacts from that period; The Tutankhamun Death Mask, is a very famous example.

Gold leaf has traditionally been most popular and most common in its use as gilding material for decoration of art (including statues and Eastern Christian icons) or the picture frames that are often used to hold or decorate paintings, mixed media, small objects (including jewelry) and paper art.

I will look at some more examples in my next blog, as some are very inspiring….