19. Gold tooling using foil

[@angelasutton3297]

Hi Ina, For gold foil you don't need any adhesive at all. For gold leaf you need at least two layers of glaire, applied within 20 minutes of each other. It takes a lot of practice and you should look at some specialised instructions. If it dries too fast it won't work, but some commercial glaires aren't so moisture-sensitive. It depends on the atmosphere, and you shouldn't dampen the leather. Clean the tools by gently rubbing them on the underside of a piece of leather. It sounds as if your tools may be too hot, which will lead to blurring. Try them at different temperatures: for gold leaf the tool should have stopped sizzling when the shank is cooled on a damp sponge or pad; foils vary and some can be used with the tool much cooler. If they are small and pointed you will need less pressure anyway, but again it's a matter of getting used to them and knowing what you need where. Think of the elephant's foot and the stiletto heel. Best of luck! Angela

[@erykfreethinker7147]

Thank you so much, exactly what I needed! :)

[@angelasutton3297]

The gold is atomised into some kind of carrier which holds it to the foil. This is activated by the heat. Angela

[@angelasutton3297]

Thanks. Good to know that it's useful!

[@angelasutton3297]

They come up for sale every so often, but beware of old and worn tools, which don't work well. Best to buy new if you can afford it: Fine Cut make them.

[@inasv1672]

Hi, do you put any other adhesive to the leather like shellac? You also mentioned the significance of the leather moisture, do you moist it before tooling? I'm having the following problem that I have been struggling with for quite some time. My tools have extremely small details and when I press down (tried putting different pressure) everything gets on the leather, including the space between the small details. I tried cleaning it with a finger and also with a toothpick dipped in lighter fluid but to no avail. The ornament is complex and I can't clean it properly. Do you have any idea how I can fix that? Either clean it without ruining it afterwards or any way to avoid having gold stick where it is not supposed to?

[@jerem0621]

Thank you! Where did you find the handle letters? I can’t find them. :(

[@HieuTran-pw9ck]

Such wonderful! Thank you so much for posting this video. Can i ask more about the gold foil? Where did you buy it?

[@angelasutton3297]

Hi. Thanks for the comment. I've had the foil for years, but you can get supplies at J Hewit and Sons, or Ratchfords.