gold leaf lettering with a mask

[DuncanvdH]

I am preparing to put the name on the transom of the boat in gold leaf.
Studied books and dvd. It became apparent that using a computer cut
stencil is the easy way to go. Put on stencil, fill in with size and ....

On the dvd the stencil is now removed, actually as soon as possible to let the edges of the size flow out. Then the gold is applied.

However, I thought about why not leaving the stencil on and apply the gold before removing the stencil. There actually is a youtube movie of someone putting a name on in this sequence. The advantage is that you do not get gold sticking on the surface in plAces where it is not supposed to be.

So what do you think?
Remove stencil then apply gold or apply gold and then remove stencil?

Duncan

[Ron Williamson]

Gold shouldn't stick where there is no sizing.
R

[Robmill0605]

I'd leave the stencil in place just for the reason you stated. While gold leaf should not stick to anyplace where sizing is not present, it seems to me that the stencil will do a neater job. I've never done gold leafing, so someone else will have to be the voice of expierience in this.
I've seen the youtube video, but what is the name of the dvd that you referenced?
I'll be facing the same job on my Hacker replica.

[DuncanvdH]

Thanks Rob,

The DVD is called: Automotive Golf Leafing (with Gary Jenson).
I really liked it and Gary gives a very clear explanation.

Gold sticking where it should not is also discussed by Gary. It is a result of ambient humidity. He wipes over the edges of the letters to remove the excess, but that seems a delicate job.

I also have another book on goldleafing and there they use powder or an egg based mixture to reduce the amount of unwanted sticking gold.

I saw on internet there is spray on size in the US, called aero size, ever seen it?

Duncan

[Jay Greer]

I suppose you are using 23k deep patent gold? That is the paper backed gold leaf. The only problem with applying size with a stencil is that there is a chance of having the size pool or become thicker at the edges of the stencil. This can lead to a ragged application as the size is not set up to full tack where it is thicker. Remember, that gold leaf will stick to a painted or varnished surface that is not sized by electrostatic attraction. This is why we pounce around the area to be leafed with talcum powder prior to the application of the size. Pulling the stencil after the leaf has been applied will assure that less gold will stick to the sorrounding area. But since it will not have been pounced, it is likely that some stray gold will end up sticking. This is easily removed with machine grade rubbing compound on a damp Qtip. Usually it is advisable to out line the copy once the gold is burnished off. This is done with special quill brushes known as "Liners", available from sign supply shops.
Jay

[DuncanvdH]

Hey Jay,

Excuse my ignorance, but
what means pounce around exactly?

So you think it is better to put the gold one with the mask on despite the ragged edges?

Duncan

[DuncanvdH]

One more thing Jay,

do you use one of these purple special engine turning tools?
I do not get a very clear swirl with my velvet covered cotton ball.

Duncan

[Jay Greer]

Hey Jay,

Excuse my ignorance, but
what means pounce around exactly?

So you think it is better to put the gold one with the mask on despite the ragged edges?

Duncan
Duncan,
Here, leaving the mask on will not make much difference. Pounce, in this case, is baby powder that is in a bag made of T shirt material. I just cut an 8" square, dump a bit of powder in the middle, pull up the ends and secure it with a wrap of masking tape. Tapping it on the surface to be leafed, prior to applying size, will keep the gold from sticking.
The nap of velvet is too long for knurling, I use short nap velour wrapped around a cotton ball.
I might suggest that, before you attempt to outline the copy, you give the gold two coats of varnish, allowing it to thoroughly dry. This will allow you to wipe off any goofs. Although I don't use McKlosky's "Man O War" varnish for general bright work, here it will impart protection without changing the color of the gold as this varnish is the most transparent of any varnish I know of. UV will not effect the gold so it is safe to use a low UV filtering varnish.
Jay

[DuncanvdH]

Great, thanks Jay!

Regards,

Duncan