Polyvine Metal Leaf Size

Description

Polyvine Metal Leaf Size is a specialist water-based acrylic adhesive designed for applying metal leaf and decorative foils to a variety of surfaces.

It has an extended open time, allowing the surface to remain in a suitable tacky state for applying metal leaf. This makes Polyvine Metal Leaf Size particularly useful for gilding furniture, plaster mouldings, picture frames and other decorative features.

Polyvine Metal Leaf Size is available in 100ml, 500ml and 1 litre sizes

How to Apply Polyvine Metal Leaf Size

1. Seal porous surfaces with a Polyvine varnish.
2. Apply thinly using a good quality brush.
3. It is important no brush marks are visible these will show though the metal leaf. The size can be diluted with water to avoid brush marks.
4. Always apply in smooth even strokes (as the leaf is wafer thin any marks underneath will be visible when finished).
5. Leave for at least 15 minutes, the film will clear and remain tacky. The surface will then be in a prime state ready to receive the leaf. This prime state will remain indefinitely.
6. It is important to completely cover all the size with the metal leaf, no size should be left uncovered.
7. Metal Leaf comes loose or as transfer. Wear cotton gloves when handling the leaf to avoid tarnishing when working with metal leaf.
8. You want to make sure you work the leaf into every crack and crevice. smoothing it onto the surface with your fingers and finish up with a clean and dry paintbrush to work it completely onto the surface.
9. As you get overlapping and overhanging pieces, you can remove them by brushing really hard with the brush. At this point, it’s almost as if you’re burnishing the gold with your paintbrush; you want to rub it until there are no more gold flakes coming off.
10. You will notice gaps and cracks in your gold leaf where pieces failed to stick. You can take smaller flakes and apply them to these spots, again using your bristle brush to rub the leaf onto the surface

Why Choose Polyvine Metal Leaf Size?

Polyvine Metal Leaf Size has been developed specifically for metal leaf and foil application, making it a useful adhesive for both decorating and gilding projects.

Key benefits include:

• Water based
• Low odour
• Easy to apply
• Water wash-up
• Extended open time
• Suitable for metal leaf and foils
• Suitable for furniture
• Suitable for plaster mouldings
• Suitable for decorative features
• Available in 100ml, 500ml and 1 litre
• Can be diluted with water to help prevent brush marks

When applied correctly, the surface can remain primed for up to 24 hours, giving you more time to work on larger gilding projects.

What Can Polyvine Metal Leaf Size Be Used On?

Polyvine Metal Leaf Size can be used on a variety of suitable surfaces for metal leaf and foil gilding.

It is particularly suitable for:

• Furniture
• Plaster mouldings
• Picture frames
• Decorative features
• Interior metal leaf work
• Other suitable prepared surfaces

Porous surfaces should first be sealed with a suitable Polyvine varnish before applying the Metal Leaf Size.

Polyvine Metal Leaf Size for Furniture

Polyvine Metal Leaf Size is ideal for applying metal leaf to furniture, whether you are restoring an antique piece or creating a decorative finish on a new project.

It can be used on suitable prepared furniture surfaces before applying gold leaf, silver leaf or other decorative metal foils.

The adhesive should be applied thinly and evenly, as brush marks underneath metal leaf can remain visible through the finished gilding.

Polyvine Metal Leaf Size for Plaster Mouldings

Polyvine Metal Leaf Size is suitable for plaster mouldings and decorative plasterwork.

Before application, porous plaster should be sealed with a suitable Polyvine varnish. The Metal Leaf Size can then be applied in a thin, even coat ready for the metal leaf.

This makes it suitable for decorative architectural details, mouldings and other interior gilding projects.

Metal Leaf Size for Gold and Silver

Polyvine Metal Leaf Size can be used as an adhesive for gold leaf and other metal leaf products. Once the size has been applied and reached its tacky prime state, the metal leaf can be carefully applied over the surface. Because metal leaf is extremely thin, it is important that the underlying adhesive is smooth and free from visible brush marks. Polyvine Metal Leaf Size can also be used with silver leaf and other decorative metal foils. The same preparation and application principles apply: ensure the surface is properly prepared, apply the size thinly and evenly, and allow it to reach its tacky prime state before applying the leaf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Polyvine Metal Leaf Size Be Diluted?

Yes. Polyvine Metal Leaf Size can be diluted with water. Diluting the size can help when you need to achieve a particularly smooth application and reduce visible brush marks. This is especially important when applying metal leaf because imperfections beneath the adhesive can remain visible through the extremely thin leaf.

How Long Does Polyvine Metal Leaf Size Stay Tacky?

One of the main advantages of Polyvine Metal Leaf Size is its extended open time. After application, the film clears and becomes tacky. The surface can remain in its prime state for up to 24 hours, allowing larger projects to be completed without having to apply the adhesive and leaf immediately.

How Much Polyvine Metal Leaf Size Do I Need?

The coverage is approximately 10–15 square metres per litre for Metal Leaf Size. Coverage will vary depending on the surface, application method and how much the size is diluted. For smaller gilding projects, the 100ml or 500ml sizes can be convenient, while the 1 litre size is more suitable for larger projects.

How Long Does Polyvine Metal Leaf Size Take to Dry?

The drying time is a minimum of 24 hours, while the adhesive becomes tacky and ready for metal leaf after approximately 15 minutes. The important point when applying metal leaf is that the size has cleared and reached its tacky prime state.

Can Polyvine Metal Leaf Size be used for Gilding and Restoration?

Polyvine Metal Leaf Size is a useful adhesive for gilding and decorative restoration projects. It can be used when applying metal leaf to suitable furniture, picture frames, plaster mouldings and decorative features. Its extended open time is particularly helpful when working on larger or detailed pieces where applying the metal leaf takes time.

What is the difference between Polyvine Metal Leaf Size vs Traditional Gilding Size?

Polyvine Metal Leaf Size is a water-based acrylic adhesive designed specifically for metal leaf and foil application. Its low-odour formulation, water wash-up and extended open time make it convenient for many modern gilding and decorating projects. The best choice of size will depend on the particular gilding technique, substrate and type of leaf being used.

Please Note

Always try the technique on a test piece before embarking on the project.

working time / Prime time – the time metal leaf will still adhere to the wet size. This prime state will remain for up to 24 hours, allowing large projects to be handled with ease. Size will always remain tacky.

Do not allow dust to accumulate on the adhesive surface.

COVERAGE – Approx. 8 sq. m to 15 sq. m per litre

No OF COATS – 1 coat

DRYING TIME – 15mins-1 hr, depending on temperature

CLEANING – Clean tools/equipment with warm soapy water, rinse well with clean water, and allow to dry naturally.

STORAGE – Protect from extremes of temperature during storage and application.

Health and Safety

Non-hazardous. Ensure good ventilation. Keep out of reach of children. Contact with eyes-wash immediately with warm water. Remove excess from tools and mixing vessels before washing in warm soapy water. Do not empty containers into drains or watercourses.

Safety Data Sheets

• Safety Data