Gild 5

2023 Author: Hannah Pearcy | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 11:39

The Cologne Instacoll system was originally developed for weather-resistant high-gloss gilding.

But there are also many possible uses indoors. A special feature of this gold-plating technique is a mirror-like surface on which no leaf attachment is visible. It is particularly suitable for smooth workpieces and objects with softly curved surfaces.

The system is based on a water-dilutable acrylic dispersion with a solvent content of less than three percent. The material has a shelf life of one year. The pigmented version in particular must be stirred well before use.

The gilding is particularly suitable for people who have little experience with gold leaf gilding. Despite all the simplicity, the technology should not be underestimated. The company Noris Blattgold offers a “starter set” (www.noris-blattgold.de). If you follow the instructions exactly and with enough patience, you can achieve a beautiful and long-lasting result.

Underground

There is a basic rule for achieving a perfect surface: the surface should be smooth, finely sanded, dry, dust-free and non-absorbent for this technique. Gilding master Karin Havlicek describes it in her book as follows: "The surface should be prepared so that it looks perfect even without gilding and is weatherproof outdoors."

The Instacoll system consists of two products. From an underground layer, the so-called Instacoll Base. This is a slightly thick primer that is available in yellow or colorless. It is quickly applied to the prepared object using a synthetic hair brush that matches the surface. The primer should be applied well. In the case of smooth surfaces, Karin Havlicek recommends applying the base layer using the low-pressure spray process (nozzle width 1 to 1.5 millimeters). Because even with the greatest care, the brush style remains visible.

Two coats of paint are ideal, which can be applied wet-on-wet if the first coat has sufficient strength. The drying time is at least eight hours at room temperature and is also unlimited. The resulting surface must be closed and high-gloss. The activator is applied to them with a pure cotton cloth. After a drying time of approx. 15 minutes, the gold plating can be carried out. The time window for this is approximately one hour. However, the activation can be renewed as often as required, which makes it easy to extend the time frame. Transfer gold is predominantly used. It is important to work with double or triple gold, as too many defects occur when using single gold.

The transfer gold is processed in cut pieces. To do this, grasp the tissue paper with your fingers or tweezers, turn it and place it with the gold side on the prepared surface. From above, it is then pressed onto the tissue paper with the so-called Cologne tissue until all the gold sticks to the surface. The paper can now be peeled off.

Both transfer and gold leaf are pressed in again with a fresh tissue. If the activator is still open, missing parts can be repaired immediately by re-shooting. The surface, which is now matt to satin, can in turn be polished with the Cologne tissue. In order to create an extraordinary high gloss, Karin Havlicek recommends polishing the gold on top with initially light, later stronger pressure and a slight turning movement.

Gilding with the Cologne Instacoll system This starter set is suitable for learning the technology of the Instacoll system. Gilding with the Cologne Instacoll system The Instacoll base is applied with a synthetic hair brush. Gilding with the Cologne Instacoll system The activator is applied with a special cloth. Gilding with the Cologne Instacoll system. The previously cut transfer gold is applied. Gold plating with the Cologne Instacoll system. After shooting, you can polish immediately. Author: Susanne Wierse Photos: Karin Havlicek Source: Malerblatt 10/2011