I’m glad to see someone show that there are cheaper alternatives to the expensive gilding glue. If your working with genuine leaf, which is very expensive, then stick with the real deal for adhesive, but if your working with imitation leaf or guilding flakes, PVA tacky glue, DecoArt paint adhesion medium, or any water based glue that says “stays tacky” works depending on the surface it also has no odor which is why I don’t like the guilding glue. On glazed ceramics I prefer the DecoArt because it’s made for slick surfaces. On porous surfaces like unglazed ceramics, wood or canvas, I seal it first with slightly watered down gesso or acrylic paint (to heavy cream consistency)and apply as smoothly as possible. After the paint drys, If you still have brushstrokes showing, try gently rubbing them out with a piece of brown paper bag, then apply the tacky glue or medium. Some helpful suggestions: the smoother you apply the glue the smoother the finish. Use a dampened softer brush to apply the glue. If your surface is coarse and you want a smoother guild, water down some gesso a little and coat the surface to fill in the pores. Let that dry thoroughly first before applying the glue. Apply the glue thinly and smooth out as much as possible. If you want texture, use a coarser brush and the way you stroke the glue on is the way the guild will show it. When the glue is tacky, lay the foil on gently with a very soft brush as smoothly as possible starting from one end on over. Pat down gently and let it rest for a few minutes, then burnish gently with a soft brush until it shines up. Fill in gaps with the pieces. If the leaf won’t stick to spots, reapply a thin dot of glue, smooth out (ok to go over edge of a guided spot) and repeat the process. Tacky glue works, tacky medium works ( but a little hard to get a really smooth finish because it’s really thick which is ok if you want that look ie: stenciling or texturizing) spray adhesive works but does smell significantly and needs to be sprayed in a well ventilated area for large projects. For small hard surface projects I use clear nail polish to top coat, other small surfaces I use Ranger Glossy Accents or DecoArt DuraClear high gloss. Large projects like picture frames and outdoor signs I top coat with Varathane ultimate Spar Urethane which is UV protective, water based, seals out water, mold and mildew and is low odor. It also comes in satin or gloss and works really well for wood.
@@sarahschwass8618 I don’t know for sure because I have never tried it, so you will have to experiment a bit. My first go to product to try would be the Decoart medium for slick surfaces.
Dear CraftyDevil, thank you for sharing that information with us. I'm going to buy a bottle of the Deco Art glue, I've used other Deco Art products before and they're all really good. Do you know if the Deco Art Medium is available from Amazon? And, is it called Deco Art Medium or Deco Art Glue? Thanks again, love from Amanda Jones in Australia
@@sarahschwass8618 a ZIG 2 way glue pen with fine tip will be perfect for lettering. I make fine gold lines on glazed ceramic pots. They also make a chiseled tip for thicker lines.
I use PVA watered down to a half and half mix, leave it to go tacky then place the leaf on, leave to let the leaf rest into the PVA, then brush for a smooth finish.
Thank you, exactly what I needed to know with out extra nonsense, cats walking across the surface and discussion about anything other than the glue and how it worked!
For the kind of application you are doing I think you would be just as happy with imitation, gold leaf and spare yourself the expense of 23 or 24 karat gold as you’re using here. your video is super helpful for anyone that wants to play around with leaf, the elements you’re missing are raised gilding, water gilding, and topcoat. Obviously real gold will never tarnish so it does not require a topcoat but imitation gold leaf does require a topcoat. Additionally, the shine of the gold is very dependent on the absorbency of the surface you are gilding, and the adhesive you are using, and whether or not, you can polish it afterwards. If you do want to work with genuine gold leaf, I think you will be happy if you do just a little bit more investigation so that you can get the most brilliant glow from your gold. PS the leaf adhesive that you were using in your last sample is actually meant for imitation leaf. If you use a softer Brush, she will not get so many scratches in your gold.
Regarding the Sakura Quickie Glue pen - it can be used straight away as a normal glue but also will stay tacky once 'dry' like the gilding adhesive does. I use it to write or draw with and add the gold leaf much later
Gold leaf adds a hint of glamour to anything it is applied to, whether that be a vase, picture frame, or furniture. To show you how to apply gold leaf. This is nice technique may be made on different surfaces.
Many years ago, I would use a picture frame (with glass), trace or draw a picture with ink on the smooth side of the glass. Then I would use an adhesive spay and either gold or silver leaf on top of it...made for some interesting decorative pictures. Using brown or blue inks also added to the flavor.
This was AWESOME! EXACTLY what I wanted to know! Simple and straightforward. I only want to add bits to collage, so no "professional" anything, just messing about so I didn't want/need to buy and special glues, you've shown me Incan just use what I have! Thanks!
Any of the cheaper adhesives work if one wants to use for something temporary. But it's one thing to use it for that short-lived purpose, and another to use it for something that is archival. Sure they all seem to work. But the most expensive one intended for art and archival use is going to last longer, far more than when the rest gets subjected to temperature and humidity factors and the adhesive starts to get removed with time.
I know this is an older video but just in case anyone was wondering why a lot of long time users use size especially in the automotive scene is simply the act of burnishing very large areas with a powered burnisher causes the leaf to lift from some glues.
Thank you for posting this! I wanted to just try out gold leafing to see if it’s something I like, but didn’t want to buy the glue in case I don’t care for it. I’ll give it a shot now with glue I’ve already got:)
This video was so well put together and easy to watch. I learned everything I was trying to, thank you. Do you know which adhesive works best on glass?
Thank you so much for this video! I mean you're going to be helping all us beginners with this in years to come. I'm watching this in 2019. And wow did this video helped me breath again. One question, can we use PVA method on canvas if we want to use gold leaf in a painting? Thanks again for such informative video.
I guess the only thing that would matter when looking for glue is to make sure to check whether its archival or acidic. If you are looking to making art prints then you'd want to use the archival non acidic glue
Thank you for doing this even though it was 4y ago this was helpful for me I’m adding these to my wedding invites and the pen didn’t work well for me and I’m definitely doing glue stick
Great video. I have been using the expensive sizing glue and have a big project. I will use white glue when I run out. NOW--what's an economical way to seal the leaf? I'm working on glass.
MaryBeth Strassel I’ve known people who’ve used clear coat nail polish or hairspray, I usually use spray sealer for around $3.00/can. Just depends on what effect you want.
I use the exact same adhesive size and it works brilliantly. Although just a warning- you added a bit too much of the size. Usually, i let the tip of my brush rest on the liquid and then paint over. The layer's so thin you can't see it but it greatly reduces any wrinkles, i personally feel. So its so smooth you can literally see your own reflection. I'm a modeller and I use a modeller's tiny brush, which I find works better than a foam brush. However the size is always clumping the bristles together. Any thoughts? :)
Nice to discover your channel. I'm looking to use some gold leaf in a drawing, so your video was very helpful. I see the paper in the video was affected by the water in the glues. Have you tried using stone paper (manufactured from calcium carbonate bonded with high-density polyethylene)? It's unaffected by water.
Thank you for sharing! I am trying to recreate the cover of a manuscript/book with organic decorations/bas-relief, and it's difficult to know whether to use metallic acryllic paint, gold leaf, or another technique, in order to get a smooth surface? It seems gold leaf does have a texture to it, depending on the quality of the gold leaf, some cost £34 for one sheet, while others cost £8 for a large amount.
I use gold leaf, and use the recommended size, it remains tacky for about 24 hours. And after applying the leaf, when dry for a couple of days, seal it with a good acrylic sealer, says on bottle, and remember , these are acid free, won’t tarnish, and won’t go black.
T Amazon set I bought with size, it says to lay the leaves once it is tacky. When I wanted to put the leaf, it was completely dry. It does not say to wait for how long.
Elmer's Glue IS P.V.A glue.....the only glue that is. I stock up in back to school specials or Dolleramas.. Has to be Elmers !! 👍...I water down a pit to thin out the tack time for gold leafing
@@ThisDesignedThat Sorry, my friend, meant no offense. Really did enjoy your video and was quite useful. I recently began investing into arts and crafts for both personal decor and (hopefully) supplement my income and I greatly appreciate folks like you who take the time and generously share their expertise.
Awesome! Do you think I could get a bar of soap damp and wait for it to get tacky, then apply the gold leaf? Would it stick on well enough? I am going to experiment but thought I would ask your thoughts. Cheers!
Thank you for your video it showed me that I can use different glues. However does the same apply to different surfaces? I’ve got two mirrors one has a plastic surround and one is brassy metal. I want to silver leaf both to make them match. Will the tacky school glue watered down work on those surfaces?
This is a great video. I have a question. I tried sticking imitation gold leaf with a gel gloss medium and it stuck well, but I need to paint with acrylics on top (well some overlapping). I did a test and painted on top of the imitation and it looked fine. But I know they say you need to varnish it first. Any recommendations?
Hi there, I want to gold-leaf some metallic buttons I bought from amazon. I want to use them for clothing so there will be some rubbing every time they're slipped through the button holes. Is there a way to seal it in place to make sure it doesn't rub off?
I’m glad to see someone show that there are cheaper alternatives to the expensive gilding glue. If your working with genuine leaf, which is very expensive, then stick with the real deal for adhesive, but if your working with imitation leaf or guilding flakes, PVA tacky glue, DecoArt paint adhesion medium, or any water based glue that says “stays tacky” works depending on the surface it also has no odor which is why I don’t like the guilding glue. On glazed ceramics I prefer the DecoArt because it’s made for slick surfaces. On porous surfaces like unglazed ceramics, wood or canvas, I seal it first with slightly watered down gesso or acrylic paint (to heavy cream consistency)and apply as smoothly as possible. After the paint drys, If you still have brushstrokes showing, try gently rubbing them out with a piece of brown paper bag, then apply the tacky glue or medium. Some helpful suggestions: the smoother you apply the glue the smoother the finish. Use a dampened softer brush to apply the glue. If your surface is coarse and you want a smoother guild, water down some gesso a little and coat the surface to fill in the pores. Let that dry thoroughly first before applying the glue. Apply the glue thinly and smooth out as much as possible. If you want texture, use a coarser brush and the way you stroke the glue on is the way the guild will show it. When the glue is tacky, lay the foil on gently with a very soft brush as smoothly as possible starting from one end on over. Pat down gently and let it rest for a few minutes, then burnish gently with a soft brush until it shines up. Fill in gaps with the pieces. If the leaf won’t stick to spots, reapply a thin dot of glue, smooth out (ok to go over edge of a guided spot) and repeat the process. Tacky glue works, tacky medium works ( but a little hard to get a really smooth finish because it’s really thick which is ok if you want that look ie: stenciling or texturizing) spray adhesive works but does smell significantly and needs to be sprayed in a well ventilated area for large projects. For small hard surface projects I use clear nail polish to top coat, other small surfaces I use Ranger Glossy Accents or DecoArt DuraClear high gloss. Large projects like picture frames and outdoor signs I top coat with Varathane ultimate Spar Urethane which is UV protective, water based, seals out water, mold and mildew and is low odor. It also comes in satin or gloss and works really well for wood.
If I wanted to write words on a dried acrylic pour, what would be the best adhesive for fine controlled writing using imitation gold leaf sheets?
@@sarahschwass8618 I don’t know for sure because I have never tried it, so you will have to experiment a bit. My first go to product to try would be the Decoart medium for slick surfaces.
Dear CraftyDevil, thank you for sharing that information with us. I'm going to buy a bottle of the Deco Art glue, I've used other Deco Art products before and they're all really good. Do you know if the Deco Art Medium is available from Amazon? And, is it called Deco Art Medium or Deco Art Glue? Thanks again, love from Amanda Jones in Australia
@@sarahschwass8618 a ZIG 2 way glue pen with fine tip will be perfect for lettering. I make fine gold lines on glazed ceramic pots. They also make a chiseled tip for thicker lines.
This was the perfect video to demonstrate exactly what I wanted to know. Without any crap in between. Thanks.
I agree entirely
YES!!! To the point and info I needed.
Yes, samee
That’s definitely not real gold leaf. 100 pack will run you about $80
I use PVA watered down to a half and half mix, leave it to go tacky then place the leaf on, leave to let the leaf rest into the PVA, then brush for a smooth finish.
Ashley
Iza
Esther
Melissa
John
MOD POGE works well too
Put your gold or silver flakes on top of the mod poge and let sit for few mins and gently brush off
Thankyou so much, better than the so called experts that just talked and talked and showed nothing.
Thank you so much for this I thought I needed fancy glue for my gold leaf. Now that we have that sorted out I can get to work!
Thank you, exactly what I needed to know with out extra nonsense, cats walking across the surface and discussion about anything other than the glue and how it worked!
Lol 😂
For the kind of application you are doing I think you would be just as happy with imitation, gold leaf and spare yourself the expense of 23 or 24 karat gold as you’re using here. your video is super helpful for anyone that wants to play around with leaf, the elements you’re missing are raised gilding, water gilding, and topcoat. Obviously real gold will never tarnish so it does not require a topcoat but imitation gold leaf does require a topcoat. Additionally, the shine of the gold is very dependent on the absorbency of the surface you are gilding, and the adhesive you are using, and whether or not, you can polish it afterwards. If you do want to work with genuine gold leaf, I think you will be happy if you do just a little bit more investigation so that you can get the most brilliant glow from your gold. PS the leaf adhesive that you were using in your last sample is actually meant for imitation leaf. If you use a softer Brush, she will not get so many scratches in your gold.
A wonderful explanation...first time with gold leafing and glad to know I don’t have to spend a fortune on supplies! Thank you!😁
Regarding the Sakura Quickie Glue pen - it can be used straight away as a normal glue but also will stay tacky once 'dry' like the gilding adhesive does. I use it to write or draw with and add the gold leaf much later
Gold leaf adds a hint of glamour to anything it is applied to, whether that be a vase, picture frame, or furniture. To show you how to apply gold leaf. This is nice technique may be made on different surfaces.
He should be using a makeup brush the brush he has it scratching up the gold dulling it out.
The video is about the glue though, not finishing.
I think he likes the roughness of it. Texture
Good eye. Especially for the shiny finish! 😉
Many years ago, I would use a picture frame (with glass), trace or draw a picture with ink on the smooth side of the glass. Then I would use an adhesive spay and either gold or silver leaf on top of it...made for some interesting decorative pictures. Using brown or blue inks also added to the flavor.
This was AWESOME! EXACTLY what I wanted to know! Simple and straightforward. I only want to add bits to collage, so no "professional" anything, just messing about so I didn't want/need to buy and special glues, you've shown me Incan just use what I have! Thanks!
I have used pva glue and it works fine but i haven't tried larger (canvas) surfaces. Thank you for this comparative video. Quite helpful.
Great to know. Gonna be using gold leaf for first time and was a bit nervous. Thanks
Any of the cheaper adhesives work if one wants to use for something temporary. But it's one thing to use it for that short-lived purpose, and another to use it for something that is archival. Sure they all seem to work. But the most expensive one intended for art and archival use is going to last longer, far more than when the rest gets subjected to temperature and humidity factors and the adhesive starts to get removed with time.
Excellent points here Maria, thanks for sharing
Thank you very much! I’m a first time user for Gold Leaf.
I know this is an older video but just in case anyone was wondering why a lot of long time users use size especially in the automotive scene is simply the act of burnishing very large areas with a powered burnisher causes the leaf to lift from some glues.
Good video on the trying different adhesive types and how they should be applied very thinly.
Thank you so much! I’ve been searching all of RUclips to find out what kind of glue to use! Exactly what I was looking for!
Trying out gold foil for the first time, this was a great video, thank you. For the explanations and demonstrations!
Thank you for posting this! I wanted to just try out gold leafing to see if it’s something I like, but didn’t want to buy the glue in case I don’t care for it. I’ll give it a shot now with glue I’ve already got:)
This video was so well put together and easy to watch. I learned everything I was trying to, thank you. Do you know which adhesive works best on glass?
You can use an art brush and glue stick for nice application just rub the brush on the glue stick then apply to the project with brush
Great advice, didn't think of doing this :)
It's Roy Kent teaching me how to use gold leaf! ♥️
I like the PVA, gives it more character.
Awesome video explaining what I needed to know. I’ve found it so hard to find genuine information on what glue to use, thanks!!
Thank you so much for this video! I mean you're going to be helping all us beginners with this in years to come. I'm watching this in 2019. And wow did this video helped me breath again. One question, can we use PVA method on canvas if we want to use gold leaf in a painting? Thanks again for such informative video.
yes u can, water it down and sieve it.
@@jungsomewhat yeah thanks. I've been experimenting. White glue works great with gold n silver leaves on canvas. Works brilliantly!
Great ! You've explained how to use gold leaf very well, your narration is friendly and not intimidating - Thank you
Thank you! This helps! Definitely gonna get adhesive size glue for my upcoming gold project! It looks smooth and better! ❤️
Glad it was helpful!
Really helpful vedio for beginners. Thank you so much for this vedio.
I also like apply gold leaf for painting very much, your video is helpful for me. THANKS.
I guess the only thing that would matter when looking for glue is to make sure to check whether its archival or acidic. If you are looking to making art prints then you'd want to use the archival non acidic glue
very good point, thanks for the info
Zenavesta that was my concern....do you know the answer?
Exactly what I was looking for!
Right. Thanks for the brush cleaning montage. I'll go buy some adeshive glue.
Thank YOU for this great, informative, easy to watch tutorial⚜️
thanks Nicole
Thank you for doing this even though it was 4y ago this was helpful for me I’m adding these to my wedding invites and the pen didn’t work well for me and I’m definitely doing glue stick
You are so welcome!
I’m about to use gold leaf for the first time I’m quite nervous but thanks for the great video
you'll be fine, its much easier than you imagine :)
Lycandaart
1 second ago
exactly what I needed to know. This video is perfect. Thank you
Great video. I have been using the expensive sizing glue and have a big project. I will use white glue when I run out. NOW--what's an economical way to seal the leaf? I'm working on glass.
MaryBeth Strassel
I’ve known people who’ve used clear coat nail polish or hairspray, I usually use spray sealer for around $3.00/can. Just depends on what effect you want.
@@dianeessex300 thanks for the tips. I now think the sizing isn't all that expensive. A little goes a long way.
I found this VERY helpful.
Thank you
THANK YOU for this video. I was having trouble getting my leafing to stay down, but no worries!💃🏾💃🏾
Excellent. But what would you use to seal this onto a craft project?
I doing a project with paper napkins, shells & gold leaf.
Thank you, particularly helpful right now knowing I have the option to use whats already in the house
I use the exact same adhesive size and it works brilliantly. Although just a warning- you added a bit too much of the size. Usually, i let the tip of my brush rest on the liquid and then paint over. The layer's so thin you can't see it but it greatly reduces any wrinkles, i personally feel. So its so smooth you can literally see your own reflection.
I'm a modeller and I use a modeller's tiny brush, which I find works better than a foam brush. However the size is always clumping the bristles together. Any thoughts? :)
briliant video thanks !! Will you provide a link for the glue pen please? xx
helpful video, going to add some gold and silver leaf to my life drawing! thanks
using it in my next project too :) Good luck
You need very soft brush when you lead it, because the rough brush makes it dull.
Nice to discover your channel. I'm looking to use some gold leaf in a drawing, so your video was very helpful.
I see the paper in the video was affected by the water in the glues. Have you tried using stone paper (manufactured from calcium carbonate bonded with high-density polyethylene)? It's unaffected by water.
sounds very cool, will need to try this at some point
Thank you for sharing! I am trying to recreate the cover of a manuscript/book with organic decorations/bas-relief, and it's difficult to know whether to use metallic acryllic paint, gold leaf, or another technique, in order to get a smooth surface? It seems gold leaf does have a texture to it, depending on the quality of the gold leaf, some cost £34 for one sheet, while others cost £8 for a large amount.
This was just what I was looking for, only have a little bit to do. Thanks
You forgot to burnish it. Rub it into the glue, smooth and stick it down better. Light brushing is not usually enough.
I watched a video where a lady used modge podge on a coloring book page ,it worked great,I am going to give that method a go,
The brush you use make a difference you need a very soft half Ball brush ....good vid for the new guys
Thanks for the tip
You need to let the Mona Kisa set for the time it says. The paper has a lot to do with how these glues stick & the gold adheres.
Thank you for doing this. Answered my questions
I use gold leaf, and use the recommended size, it remains tacky for about 24 hours. And after applying the leaf, when dry for a couple of days, seal it with a good acrylic sealer, says on bottle, and remember , these are acid free, won’t tarnish, and won’t go black.
Thanks for the tip on sealing Maureen, very handy to know for future projects
Informative video
Thank you so much.but i have a question.
Can i use glue stick on canvas??
You have to remove it with a very soft brush to avoid the breaking
Love the pen
I love that you did this video! Thank you! 😊
T Amazon set I bought with size, it says to lay the leaves once it is tacky. When I wanted to put the leaf, it was completely dry. It does not say to wait for how long.
With adhesize size it will always remain tacky, you let it dry till it becomes clear in colour.
Do you know if the PBA is the same or like Elmer's Glue? This vid has really helped. Thank you for posting this.
Elmers glue will work fine :)
Elmer's Glue IS P.V.A glue.....the only glue that is. I stock up in back to school specials or Dolleramas.. Has to be Elmers !! 👍...I water down a pit to thin out the tack time for gold leafing
Does the Mona Lisa glue dry to a flexible texture? I want to use it on tulle for a costume. Thanks!
Thanks so much for this, all the information I needed and good examples, thankyou 👍🙏❤️
I like the demonstration, much better than the know it alls who just like the sound of their own voice.thank you 😉
It would have been cool to draw a little design with the pen
Neat thanks Good option Tacky glue works too X
Thanks for the great video. What adhesive would you suggest for applying gold leaf to metal ?
WOW
Great tutorial
Thank you for sharing
Love this video. So informative and easy. I'm trying it today
Thank you for this video lm looking into using hold leaf lve never used it as yet
Thank you. You answered all my questions. Great presentation 👍🏼
Wow awesome upload dear..Many blessings
Thanks, Limey. Great tutorial! Saved me some time and money.
Never been called a limey before but happy to help :)
@@ThisDesignedThat Sorry, my friend, meant no offense. Really did enjoy your video and was quite useful. I recently began investing into arts and crafts for both personal decor and (hopefully) supplement my income and I greatly appreciate folks like you who take the time and generously share their expertise.
:) no offense taken. Glad you enjoyed the content
Thank you, I was afraid that I had to buy some expensive glue to try this out.. Now I'm sticking to my good old PVA glue 👍
awesome video. nice details about it and How To Use Gold Leaf
Is this like 24k gold? Also, I am trynna cover the HP logo of my laptop. Yes or no no?
Do it, it will work
Could you please tell me which gold leaf you used or which seller? I used one off eBay called "gold on base". Yours looks better. Thanks in advance 👍
Hi, this is the one I used - ebay.to/2DfnJEB :)
Thank you so much 👍 😀
Can i use a mod podge glue ? And do i have to let it dry first ?
Awesome! Do you think I could get a bar of soap damp and wait for it to get tacky, then apply the gold leaf? Would it stick on well enough? I am going to experiment but thought I would ask your thoughts. Cheers!
i doubt it would work very well
@@ThisDesignedThat I guess I would still need a bit of glue. What about wheatpaste glue?
Thank you! Nice instructive video.
Thank you for your video it showed me that I can use different glues. However does the same apply to different surfaces? I’ve got two mirrors one has a plastic surround and one is brassy metal. I want to silver leaf both to make them match. Will the tacky school glue watered down work on those surfaces?
Thanks for sharing, very useful. 👍
Thanks, but I think paper is tricky, since it absorbs glue quickly. I would imagine that wood would have a different result.
Very informative. You did the testing for me thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Great tutorial ❤ many thanks x
You’re welcome 😊
Hi, why is my gold leaf turning brass after I varnish it?
Thank you so much for this video! It was super helpful.
Thank you so much for capturing this one... Time saver, money saver....!! All appreciations for you..!!
This is a great video. I have a question. I tried sticking imitation gold leaf with a gel gloss medium and it stuck well, but I need to paint with acrylics on top (well some overlapping). I did a test and painted on top of the imitation and it looked fine. But I know they say you need to varnish it first. Any recommendations?
What’s best for using gold leaf/ imitation gold foil for jesmonite? And how would you use it?
This video was super helpful for me! Thank u so much
Ever try spray adhesive? Rubber cement?
nope, rubber cement would not work, spray adhesize does remain tacky so that could work
Thanx for sharing . How do you seal the gold leaf paintings ?
Hi there, I want to gold-leaf some metallic buttons I bought from amazon. I want to use them for clothing so there will be some rubbing every time they're slipped through the button holes. Is there a way to seal it in place to make sure it doesn't rub off?
So informative. Thanks 👍
Happy to help :)
Really useful video
Thank you
That's ingenious. I'll definitely try it when I have the time which will be next weekend probably :)
good luck ;)
Very informative video. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!