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Exterior Gilding

The proper selection of gold weight and karat level must be the first consideration in any exterior gilt application. Exterior architectural features, be it wood, stone, fiberglass or metal, when properly gilded, take on the dynamic qualities of gold - its luster and color. The correct selection of gold leaf, its gold content and thickness, will ensure a long lasting gilded exterior ornament or feature.

Mica Powder

Highlight your decorative project with these high quality mica powders.

Mica Powder. - Perfect for artists and craftsmen alike, these powders have many uses and mix with clear vehicles ranging from acrylic and oil based mediums to shellac. You control the pigment content - use very little for a translucent veil of metallic or use more for a solid metal look. Intermix colors to create your own mica palette. Ideal for 'Flash Gilding', where you apply the mica directly over size that is at perfect tack.

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Artists Brushes

Finest quality natural hair brushes for the beginner to the pro.

What's your project? You may be working on canvas, or paper, or glass, or maybe clay? Our natural hair brushes include Sable, Badger, and a variety of Squirrel, Goat and Bristle options. You'll find great options for lettering and lining, flat mops for washing on color, or dusting gold leaf. Finely crafted in the US, Europe and Asia. Artist Quills - Lettering brushes - Fine Sable - Gesso Stippling - Flat Wash - Gilding Mops - Decorative Paint and Faux Brushes

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Painted Stripes

Smart, bold and uplifting, striped walls can quickly transform a modest room into an exciting environment. From elegant and formal to casual and comfortable, the painted stripe offers a variety of design solutions and can be quickly adapted to your interior style. Because of the linear quality of this application rooms tend to feel larger. It works well in entrance foyers, living rooms, dining rooms and bath areas.

How to antique Silver leaf finishes

This step-by-step tutorials uses 2 antiquing processes, physical distressing and the use of an antique glaze, to create the soft, aged patin of antiqued silver.

About gilding with silver leaf

Silver Leaf Mirror Frame – Oil based method

For this demonstation we will be aging and antiquing Genuine Silver leaf. For a full tutorial on applying silver leaf to this mirror frame please visit Gilding with oil size.

About Antiquing

Antiquing is the process of aging a surface to produce a time-worn appearance. There are many methods of antiquing objects, furniture, mural paintings and wall surfaces. These include paint effects, waxes, weathering, physical distressing and accent- antiquing that mimic the natural aging process by replicating such things as fly specks and worm holes.

Step 1:

The Antiquing Process.

The antiquing of genuine Silver or Gold leaf is a three stage process. I’ll begin by lightly distressing the leaf, wearing it away to reveal some of the under color. This mimics the physical distressing that would happen naturally over time due to rubbing or cleaning of the frame surface. Wrap a small ball of 0000 steel wool in a strip of cheese cloth and create a small ball or distressing pad. The cheese cloth helps soften the abrasive quality of the steel wool.

Note:Genuine Silver leaf and Genuine Gold leaf are approx. 0.5 microns thick, so thin that you can wear through the leaf quite easily. Imitation Gold and Imitation silver is approx 3 microns, and thick enough that it makes it difficult to wear through the leaf. Therefore, Step 1 only applies when gilding with Genuine Gold or Silver leaf.

Step 2:

Gently rub the Silver leaf with the distressing pad in even motions. You’ll soon notice the base color being revealed.

Step 3:

Apply a clear coat sealer

Before I apply the final colored antique glaze it is necessary to seal the Silver leaf with a clear coat to protect the luster and shine of the leaf, as well as creating an oxygen barrier so the Silver does not naturally tarnish over time. Rolco’s Acrylic Top Coat Satin sheen sealer is an excellent product for this purpose.

Step 4:

Apply the antique glaze

My goal is to imitate the natural color of lightly tarnished Silver leaf. On a paper palette, I’ll place my three artist oil colors and loosely mix a blend in equal proportions. Mixing as you go, rather than creating a batch of pre-mixed color, works well for this treatment, as subtle variations in color add to the natural aged and tarnished appearance.

Step 5:

Loosely apply the glaze over the entire surface using the ¾ inch Flat Artist Brush.

Step 6:

Take a clean rag and rub off the majority of glaze, leaving a thin film over the surface. A 1 inch dry brush will help soften the color out of the recesses and crevices of the frame.

Antique Glazes and Aged Finishes

Antique Glaze Create the perfect antique finish. Furniture, objects, paintings, wall and ceilings. Our exclusive line of custom antique glazes are idealy suited for interior and exterior applications. This acrylic based medium is eco-safe, easy application and clean up, with enhanced color saturation. Great for all weather conditions. Pre-mixed colors for historic application, thematic and geographic design styles.

Early American Style

Colonial Amercians drew inspriation from their European heritage. Curent design styles would filter across the ocean and become reinventedin early America. Proportion and scale took reign over ornementation, A neutral color palette of grey blue, greens and rose pinks is readily apparent.

Venetian Plaster

Polished Plaster, or Stucco Veneziano, is a Traditional wall treatment that provides a glossy, visually textured wall finish. Venetian Plaster is a natural formula composed of organic ingredients, calcium, and acrylic binders creating a decorative paste plaster for interior applications. Polishing the surface compresses the calcium within the compound, creating a narble-like finish, cool and hard to the touch.

This treatment is quite versitile, ranging from a rustic backdrop to a refined and elegant finish.

The Rustic Color Palette

The Rustic Style color palette falls within a distinct range of color tones and is essential in creating a successful Rustic interior. By using the appropriate color tones you can create a variety of design styles ranging from Period and Historic, regional or thematic. Color helps define our experiences within an interior and exterior environment. It affects us on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level and can be calming and passive, expressive and vital.

Painted Floral Details

Floral patterns used as accents in fabrics and furniture are common place details in the English Country home. These graceful and organic patterns complement the cozy interior of this style and work particularly well with lace window treatments, an heirloom tea service set and the natural and rustic charm of wooden ceiling beams and slightly irregularly textured walls.