While some artists use very thin layers of gold leaf to add an elegant touch, most people use thicker sheets to create a more dramatic effect. When painting with thick layers of gold leaf, it is important to take time to prepare your surface and mix up your brushes.
Artist’s tip: When applying large amounts of glisten or golden particles to your paint layer, you can wash away some of the color using a wet brush. This will help neutralize the colors in the piece and make the glimmer stand out even more.
There are several ways to apply solid luster to acrylic paintings. Some methods require many steps and lots of time, while others are quicker and easier. No matter what method you choose, be sure to experiment and see which one works best for you!
In this article, we will discuss how to apply solid luster to painted art using real gold leaves. Since these leaves are natural products, please always handle them with care and keep them stored properly.
Peel the backing paper off the gold leaf
The next step in applying gold leaf to your painting is to peel the protective coating or backing off of the sheet. You can do this either by hand using tweezers or with an appropriate tool like those that apply gel pens to paintings.
Once you have peeled it off, place it onto your surface and use a piece of cardboard to press down on the layer until it sticks. If the sheet starts coming up slightly as you pull it away from the paint, repeat the process with more gelatin glue. Once it’s fully dry, carefully lift off the excess paper and buff out any bumps with a soft cloth.
You are now ready to add some additional layers of glitz! Keep reading for some tips and tricks for how to apply multiple sheets of glittering golden flake.
Reminder: When working with very thin pieces of metal, such as foil, zinc, or gold leaf, there is always some risk of breakage so be careful handling them.
Apply the gold leaf to your painting
The next step in adding solid color to your painted canvas is to apply the top layer of glistening, beautiful gold dust. This can be done several ways!
You may choose to use a powder brush to gently spread the golden flake across the surface. Or you could use a flat tool like a palette knife to scrape off thick layers or create more intricate designs by dragging the edge of the tool through different areas.
Either way, make sure to let the paint dry thoroughly before moving onto the next stage. You don’t want the glue that holds the first coat of gold in place to wet down and smear the new colors underneath!
And remember, brushes are not designed for applying large amounts of metallic powder — they will soak it up too much and cause lumps instead of even coverage. Use a soft, fluffy brush only for very light touches so there is no chance of oversaturating the paint.
Let your painting dry
Once you have painted all of the elements of your design, it is time to apply the final touches. The first thing is to let your acrylic paint dry! This may seem like an easy task, but it can be very tedious if you do not manage this step properly.
Acrylic paints are liquid substances that contain pigment particles. When these liquids are applied directly onto another surface, they will begin to set or harden. However, if you want to use and manipulate the painted material later, then it must be left to fully cure (or dry) before being touched.
It is important to leave the painted item alone until it has completely dried. This could take anywhere from one day to several weeks depending upon the thickness of the layer of paint and the type of surface the piece was painted on.
Once it is totally cured, you can now start to blend and scrape off the extra gold leaf to reveal the beautiful natural color underneath! Keep in mind that acryllic paint will pull away more easily than oil or watercolor paints, so be careful not to push it on too thickly.
Seal your painting
After you’ve painted all of the areas of your artwork, it is time to seal or protect your piece! This process will help preserve the shape of your painting as well as contribute to the overall look and feel of the piece.
Sealing your painting can be done with gesso, acrylic gel, primer, or gold leaf. Each one of these materials works different ways to keep the paint layer intact.
With primers like Golden Liquid that are typically mixed in a ratio of 1 part liquid to 2 parts powder, they activate an adhesive reaction between both components. The faster this chemical reaction occurs, the longer the primed item will last!
Acrylic gel is similar to regular acrylics except that it has thicker molecules which make it more durable and protective. It is usually two to three times denser than normal acrylic paints!
Gold leaf is attached to the painting via epoxy glue and then burnished into the surface using very fine grit sandpaper. This process brings out the beautiful coloration in the metal sheeting and boosts the depth and luster of the finished product.
We recommend applying the final coat of protection after the rest of the painting is complete and dried! You do not need to wait until later stages to apply any sealing agents, but doing so now will limit the opportunities for moisture-based reactions.
Use a soft cloth to clean your painting
While most people use alcohol or acetone as cleaners, these can be harmful for your paint layerings. Metallic additives such as gold leaf are usually cleaned with warm water and a soft, lint-free cloth.
Avoid using harsh chemicals as they may cause thinning of the top coats of the paint.
Use a wet paper towel to clean your painting
When cleaning your acrylic painting, use a dry soft brush or plastic spoon to remove all of the chemicals used in the process. Do not scrape off the paint with a metal tool as this may break down the layer that has been built up over the surface.
After you have cleaned the surface, it is time to apply the gold leaf! Many people choose to use gel medium to stick the sheet of golden material onto the painted surface, but I find this difficult to work with due to its consistency.
I recommend using gel glue spray which is much easier to handle. Simply spread enough glaze around the area where the gold sheet will be attached to ensure a good bond. Press the glazed side into place and let sit for one minute before moving together.
Repeat this process until both surfaces are completely bonded.
Use a hair dryer to speed up drying time
When painting with acrylics, one of the most tedious parts is applying the gold leaf. While some people have it done in a few minutes, most take hours to do so.
The reason for this is that you must use a very thin layer which does not peel off or flake away. If it does, your piece will be ruined! This requires taking extra care when laying down each coat.
One way to avoid this is by using a hairdryer to warm up the painted surface before adding the next layer of paint. This helps melt through the first layers of dried acrylic and then the top layer can easily be applied onto the already melted surface.
Another tip if you are having trouble getting all of the dust out is to wash yourself or the area several times under running water and make sure to clean with an alcohol-based cleaner.
Try using a spray sealant
For those who have already completed their painting, there is an easy way to apply another layer of beauty! The best way to do this is by spraying a clear, gel-like material onto your canvas or surface. This will prevent any cracks in the paint from drying, and can also help preserve the shape of the painted area.
Spray gels are available in many different brands and varieties. They all work similarly so you should be able to find one that works for you! Some people like doing it themselves but some are willing to teach others how to do it too. It’s very simple if you know what products they use.
There are several ways to add leaf detail to acrylic paintings. One way is to take a piece of paper with you and draw lots of leaves. Then, once you’re back at home, cut out these shapes and press them into the gel on your painting. You can then go over them with thicker layers of paint to make them stand out more.