Artist and muralist Paulette Johnson treats gilded surfaces with paint, chemicals and aniline dyes for a variety of decorative effects.
Techniques:
- Use a sharp object, such as a large nail, to scrape the gold off the gilded surface. This will allow for the undercoat to show through. Use the sharp tip as you would a pencil and draw different designs.
- Use the same technique as above, except paint over the gilded surface. Then, while paint is still wet, draw designs.
- Mix acrylic paint, a little water and a drop of dishwashing detergent. Brush the mixture on the gilded surface and then with a paper towel, wipe off as much paint as you want to create an antique look.
- To obtain a verdigris finish, try dipping a brush in household bleach and applying it to any gilding surface. The process can take a few hours to achieve, but the final result is amazing.
- Most anyone who gold leafs will have those extra little shavings of paper left over. Try this technique: Brush on sizing (glue) onto any surface, then wait for the glue to become tacky. Next, sprinkle on the gold leaf shaving, wait to dry, then brush off. A sea sponge can also be used to apply the sizing.
- Be sure to coat all your projects with a few coats of acrylic spray. This will help protect your pieces from scratches, and smudges.
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