Gilded Frame

Turn an ordinary flea-market frame into a fantastic focal point with metal leaf and mica powders and flakes. Figure A Figure B

Materials:

wood frame
200-grit sandpaper
primer
black, silver and gray satin-finish acrylic paint
adhesive sizing
silver leaf sheets
gold mica flakes
silver and gold mica powder
foam brushes
softening brush
dry sponge
cotton cloths
small plastic containers
acrylic or shellac

Steps:

1. Rough up the wood frame with 200-grit sandpaper and apply primer.
2. Paint the outside edge of the frame with black acrylic paint; mix the silver and gray paint together and apply to the inside.
3. Apply sizing with a foam brush to the silver-gray painted area and allow it to get tacky (should take about an hour).
4. Pick up the silver leaf fragments with the softening brush and gently press randomly onto the frame.
5. Take a pinch of gold mica flakes and dust over the silver leaf fragments (figure A).
6. Dip a piece of dry sponge into the silver mica powder and brush over the silver leaf and gold flakes.
7. Use a clean foam brush to apply a thin coat of sizing to the black-painted area (again, it should take about an hour to tack up).
8. Dip another foam brush in gold mica powder and brush over the black-painted area (figure B).
9. Let the powders and flakes set up for 10 to 15 minutes and brush off the excess with the softening brush.
10. Allow to dry and cure 24-48 hours.
11. Protect with a clear coat of acrylic or shellac.