Leaf Design: Metal leaf design. The use of silver and gold leaf design surfaces in decoration has become popular in recent years. These effects are also part of the painter's work. Aluminum leaf design is generally used in place of silver, as it is less expensive and does not tarnish. The application of metal leaf design is accomplished by first applying a gold size to the surface to be treated. This is allowed to dry to a thick consistency, and the leaf design is then applied to the size and allowed to dry thoroughly. It is best to varnish metal leaf design for protection. Metal leaf design is usually glazed over the varnish for antique effects.
Cutting, repacking with parchment, and beating are continued until the desired thickness of leaf design is obtained. The finished leaf design is cut into 3%-inch (8.5-cm) squares, which is the standard size of a sheet of gold leaf design. Gold leaf design for decorative purposes can also be produced by electrolysis, cathode sputtering, and vacuum vaporization. |
