The gold leaf techniques for applying gold leaf to leather are different from gilding on wood or other surfaces.
In the main bookbinding leather is vegetable tanned and quite soft to the touch.
With regard to bookbinding, in general the gilded decoration you see on a modern book will be either gold foil or gold leaf; genuine gold leaf is reserved for the best quality leather bindings, and gold foil for cheaper work.
Both gold foil and genuine gold leaf involve the use of heat activated adhesives, gold foil has a built in layer of adhesive on the carrier film, it has the virtue of being easy to use, you just position the gold foil and apply your heated tools.
In traditional gilding, the heat activated adhesive takes the form of either the whites of eggs or a shellac based adhesive.
First the adhesive is applied and allowed to dry, and then the leaf is laid over it.
Heated brass tools in the form of lettering or decoration are then pressed down onto the gold foil or gold leaf.
When the surplus gold leaf or gold foil film is removed the letters or decoration are left in gilt.
If there is a secret to success with gilding on leather it lies in understanding and working with the 3 variables involved, they are; Heat, Pressure & Dwell.
The heat of your tools is fairly critical for success; also how much pressure you apply and how long you stay in contact with the work are important and can best be learned by good instruction and a little trial and error.
With other leathers such as the type of sheepskin you might encounter when recovering desk tops, I suggest either using gold foil for cheaper work and 23 carat gold leaf on a paper carrier for best work.
Some materials are called leather just because they are made from reconstituted leather shavings, held together with some form of resin; I suggest using gold foil for this type of material.
By Richard Norman
www.gold-vault.com
For 25 years I ran a system of craft workshops in Somerset England.
We became expert in the handling and application of gold leaf and imitation gold leaf; we also developed unique finishes aimed at aging and distressing gold leaf.
Please visit my website for further information.
(c) Copyright - Richard Norman. All Rights Reserved.
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