Editing Openai/693badc9-4210-8009-8cef-6e33623dc878 (section)

=== Assistant: Great — I’ll give you A a simple materials/shopping list with real product suggestions and B a photo markup guide so yo… ===
Great — I’ll give you (A) a simple materials/shopping list with real product suggestions and **(B) a photo markup guide so you know exactly where to mask and where to gild on your model.

Before the markup itself, here’s your photo displayed for reference:

==== These are things you can easily get online or at art/craft stores: ====

===== 1. Water-based gilding size - Speedball Mona Lisa Water-Based Size (good and easy for minis) - Wunda Size (excellent for model gilding) =====
# Gold Leaf - Transfer gold leaf (24K imitation or real) — easier for tiny areas - Loose gold leaf sheets (if you want traditional)
# Soft brushes - Size brush: Small round brush (size 0 or 1, synthetic or sable) - Gilder’s tip: Soft goat-hair or soft makeup brush for laying leaf
# Fine tweezers - For handling tiny bits of leaf
# Low-tack masking tape - To protect areas you don’t want gilded
# Acrylic Gloss Medium (optional but recommended) - Winsor & Newton Galeria Gloss Medium - Liquitex Gloss Medium & Varnish
# Sealer (optional) - Acrylic gloss varnish for protection
# Clean tools - Cotton swabs - Soft tissue

==== Below is a simple annotated explanation, with markings you can imagine on your photo. If you want a true graphic file, I can generate one — just ask! ====

===== Mask these with low-tack tape before applying size: =====

➡️ 1. Deck and hull edges
Mask the flat deck around the prow/stern so size doesn’t creep onto the deck planking.

➡️ 2. Cabin detail
Mask the cabin bulwarks and any rails you don’t want gilded.

➡️ 3. Areas you want free of metal leaf
For example: the thin ribs, structural framing, or decorative carvings.

: 

===== Apply size only to these areas: =====

✨ A. Prow tip face
* The tiny forward-facing triangular/curved surface
* Will form a nice golden accent

✨ B. Stern midpoint band
* Looks great as a gilded strip
* Keep it narrow — a couple mm wide

✨ C. Optional small trim lines
* Any straight line or edge you want to highlight

: 

==== ### ====

Because the prow curves:
* Don’t try to use a big square of leaf
* Pre-cut small curved strips that match the curve
* Apply from tip outward

===== On the flat stern edge: =====
* Use slightly larger piece
* Smooth gently with soft brush

==== Let’s imagine a color overlay like this: ====

<syntaxhighlight>      ^   <-- (A) = Mask this deck with tape
     ___
    / G \   <-- (B) = Gilded area
   /     \
  | MASKED |  <-- all other areas taped off
  |_______|

</syntaxhighlight>

Where:
* G = area where you apply size then leaf
* MASKED = deck and railings taped off

==== Before you touch your actual piece: ====
* Do one test on a scrap board painted the same
* Practice size application and leaf placement
* That builds confidence and prevents mistakes on the real model

If you want, I can generate an actual marked-up version of your uploaded photo showing exactly where to mask and gild — just say “yes, mark it up!” and I’ll produce it for you.