Foiled Frames
Decorating With Style : Episode DWS-131 -- More Projects »
Accessory designer Shea Szachara from Delta Technical Coatings creates antique "gold leaf" foiled frames from modern and inexpensive frames.
Materials:
frame
sealant
base coat
foam brush
adhesive
foil
antiquing glaze
optional: soft rag
Note: The materials for this project are available as a kit or can be purchased separately.
Steps:
- When using a raw wood frame, first apply sealant, an unnecessary step when working with an finished frame. Let the sealant dry.
- With a foam brush, apply the basecoat color of your choice. Paint carefully, covering all sides that will show when the frame is displayed. Let the base coat dry.
- Apply two generous coats of adhesive. Although it appears white when wet, it will dry clear. It will also be very sticky, so avoid touching it while it's wet. Let the first coat dry until it turns clear before applying the second coat. For best results, brush on the second coat in a different direction. For example, apply one coat in a vertical direction and one coat in a horizontal direction. Let the second coat dry about 15 minutes, or until it's slightly tacky. At this stage, the surface should still be touched no more than necessary so to preserve its tackiness.
- Apply a piece of the foil, dull side down, to a section of the frame. Always be sure to work with the dull side down. The foil is backed with clear Mylar. Press or rub the foil firmly to apply it to the frame. More of the metallic finish adhere to the frame the harder it is pressed.
- Peel the Mylar backing off the frame. The foil will have adhered in patches. The foil is much less expensive than gold leaf, and the pieces of foil can be reused until all the metallic finish has come off.
- When you have applied the desired amount of foil to the surface, apply another coat of sealant to smooth out the still-tacky adhesive. Let the sealant dry.
- You can stop now, or apply antiquing glaze if desired. Brush the glaze on the frame and let it dry. Leave the frame as it is, or buff it with a soft cloth.
Tips:
- To vary the look of the frame, use different base coats for various effects, or combine different foils on the same frame.
- This project provides an inexpensive way to dress up a frame found at a garage sale or salvage store.
- Do not use gold leaf in breezy or airy room as the leafing will fly away.
- You can use silver, copper, or gold color in the antiquing process.
- Wrap the brush used to apply the adhesive in plastic wrap or put it in a plastic bag between coats. The adhesive in your brush will stay fresh until the frame is ready for the second coat.
- Cosmetic sponges such as those used to apply eye makeup are ideal for use with Delta Renaissance Foil Adhesive to achieve the softer effect of partial coverage.
- To create very fine lines with Delta Renaissance Foil, pour or squeeze the adhesive into a fine-tip glue applicator, then squeeze it onto the surface of the frame.
- If the frame has intricate detail, use an old toothbrush to rub the Foil into the cracks and crevices.
Resources Renaissance foil leafing kits - Delta
Available kits: Antique Gold, Burnished Silver, Verdigris Copper, Mother-Of-Pearl & Abalone Kit, Holiday Colors Kit, Gold Crackle, Silver Cracklet, Copper Crackle
Delta Technical Coatings Inc.
Website:
www.deltacrafts.com
Guests Shea Szachara
Representative, Delta Technical Coatings, Inc
Fax: 607-773-0547
Email:
URL:
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