I did a YouTube search on how to properly apply it and came across Nancy Reyner's videos. They were a great resource and got me started. Her paintings are beautiful and ethereal.
I used the Mona Lisa gold foil and adhesive. It comes in sheets that are easy to use. These are imitation gold and not gold leaf. The real gold leaf is extremely expensive and not something I wanted to experiment with on a painting. Also, Nancy Reyner uses gold foil in her video demos. I ordered my supplies from Curry's in Canada as there is nothing available where I live.
In this package, each sheet is divided by a tissue and the foil is attached to a wax paper film. This makes it easy to handle and to completely cover an area.
This is the adhesive that I used. It brushes on easily and washes up with water. I did't use the spray as it is not something I wanted to use in my home and using outside was too difficult.
For my first painting, I used a masonite board. I prepped it with gesso to cover the brown of the board. After that, I applied a layer of modelling paste to give it texture. I created a lot of high spots and some smooth spots. Then, I applied the gold foil. Using Nancy Reyner's suggestions, I let it dry for 3 days before the next step.
The foil needed to be sealed so that it wouldn't tarnish. Using acrylic paints, I didn't want the ammonia in them to cause the foil to discolour. I used GAC200. This needs to be very thin when applied and then to wait until it's dry before adding another layer. (10-15 minutes). I put on 3 layers to completely seal the foil.
Then, I began to apply my paint. I used different techniques when applying the paint. I used a very watery paint to mimic watercolours in some areas, scraping on paint, sanding off paint, adding glass beads, and even adding iridescent paint.
Here is my painting.
Later on, I tried a small wooden cradle board for a painting. I applied the gold foil, sealed it, and then put the acrylic on top of it. I really had to make sure that I kept the foil free of paint to give it the sunset feel. I like the glow that is has.
I enjoyed using the gold foil and will use it again. Perhaps, next time, I'll try the copper foil or silver foil.
I would like to try a larger painting on a cradle board along with the Pebeo prisme.
