How to Apply Gold Leaf to Ceramic Tile
- 1). Prepare an area for the gold leaf application. Place the tile on a table where you'll have comfortable access. Eliminate any type of breeze from a cross-draft, fan or central heating unit.
- 2). Prime the surface of the ceramic tile with a special type of adhesive known as gold size. Use a quick-drying type for fastest application. Allow approximately one to three hours of drying time before applying the gold leaf.
- 3). Test the primed area for gold readiness by lightly pressing your knuckle against the surface. When you feel a slight tug from the material, the surface is ready.
- 4). Lift a sheet of gold leaf from your booklet using a gilding brush. It may be necessary to give the brush a static charge by rubbing it through your hair several times. Place the gold leaf onto the area of gold size adhesive.
- 5). Run a soft watercolor brush over the surface of the gold leaf so that it adheres to the gold size. Any excess will brush away from the areas that don't contain adhesive.
- 6). Burnish the gold leaf by gently wiping the surface with a cotton ball or velvet piece to clear away any small flakes left behind from the application. Complete this task one day after the gold leaf application to give it time to dry.
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