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

=== Assistant: Here’s what you need to know about the best glues/adhesives for gold leaf gilding, plus some good alternatives dependin… ===
Here’s what you need to know about the best glues/adhesives for gold leaf gilding, plus some good alternatives depending on your project type.

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Best for: Traditional gilding on wood, furniture, frames, sculpture.
Why it’s great:
* Long working time — gives you flexibility.
* Strong, permanent bond.
* Traditional choice for oil gilding.

✨ Best use: When your surface is porous or absorbent (e.g., gessoed wood).

===== Best for: Interiors, paper, canvas, decorative crafts. =====
Why it’s great:
* Low odor, easier cleanup.
* Fast drying.
* Perfect for water leaf (thinner gold leaf).

✨ Best use: Easier for beginners and non-professional projects.

===== Best for: Mixed media, acrylic paintings, craft projects. =====
Why it’s good:
* Works with gold leaf over acrylic paint.
* Can build texture and seal layers well.

⚠️ Note: Acrylic mediums are NOT as strong as traditional sizes for metallic leaf (especially metal leaf that is thicker).

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* Works ok for art/craft gilding on wood or paper.
* Best for replicating a size effect when traditional size isn’t available.
* Needs thin, even application.

Tip: Don’t glob it — too thick = wrinkles & poor adhesion.

===== - Good for adhesive gilding on paper/cardboard or irregular surfaces. =====
* Handy with metallic foils and imitation gold leaf.

⚠️ Not ideal for real metal leaf at fine detail — can be uneven.

===== - Traditional method using shellac resin dissolved in alcohol. =====
* Used historically on furniture, frames, decorative metalwork.

Pro tip: Control humidity & temperature — shellac size can be fussy.

===== - Any adhesive that accepts gold leaf (oil, acrylic, water, or alcohol-based). =====
* The word mordant just means “sticky for leaf,” not a specific product.

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==== ✅ Surface prep matters. Seal porous surfaces with primer or gesso first. ====
✅ Apply size evenly. Too thin = poor adhesion; too thick = long dry & tackiness issues.
✅ Follow tack time. Most sizes need to become tacky (not wet) before applying leaf.
✅ Seal the leaf. Use a sealer for soft metal leaf like copper or imitation leaf (optional for gold).

==== Best overall choice: ====
🔹 Oil-based gilding size — strongest, traditional, beautiful results.

Great alternatives:
🔹 Water-based size — beginner friendly
🔹 Acrylic mediums — for mixed media
🔹 PVA glue / spray adhesive — for craft & decorative uses

If you’d like, tell me what surface and project you’re working on and I can recommend a specific product and step-by-step application instructions!