Potal application technology. Potal - what is it, a description of the technique and features. Gilding is the process of applying a thin layer of gold or its imitation to an object. There are two types of gilding - gold leaf and potal

However, in reality, everything is not so difficult and quite accessible. All that is needed for this type of creativity is the potal itself, brushes, varnish and a special adhesive.

Choose a high-quality water-based or alcohol-based glue for sweating

Potal is intended for decorative gilding and silvering of various surfaces - ceramics, wood, glass, plaster moldings, metal, cardboard and plastic.

Depending on the task at hand, various brands of glue can be used, such as:

• Kolner Permacoll Size is a special acrylic-based adhesive for glossy gold plating. Permacoll has a long-term adhesion, due to which it is possible to cover the surface treated with glue with sweat for several hours.

The adhesive composition does not contain solvents and, if necessary, can be diluted with water. This brand of glue is widely used in decorating icons with artificial and natural gilding, in the manufacture of crafts, interior items, etc.

Permacoll adhesive is available in two colors - transparent and red (pigmented with a pigment to control the application of the adhesive). A jar of colorless glue with a volume of 100 ml costs about 700 rubles, red is sold a little more expensive.

• Adhesive for transfer sheets Tair - universal transparent gluing structure on a water basis. Designed to work not only with transfer, but also with other types of sweat (loose sheet and in flakes).

It can be used to decorate any type of base: plastic, wood, metal, glass, etc. It is enough to apply a thin layer of glue and wait a few minutes, and you can start working.

Tair glue retains its adhesive ability for a long time, which makes working with it convenient and comfortable. Glue for potali Tair is more often found on sale in tubes of 20 ml, it costs about 150 rubles. For large volumes of work, it is more profitable to buy glue in jars of 100 ml (it costs about 250 rubles).

• Mordan «Ferrario»- universal adhesive mixture for sweating and gold leaf. The composition is applied in a thin layer on the surface to be decorated and aged for 15-30 minutes.

After partial drying of the Mordan, you can start working on gilding. Glue (mordan) for gilding after application does not lose its adhesive properties for two to three hours, which allows you to work neatly and slowly.

Mordan "Ferrario" is available in packages of 75, 250 and 1000 ml. The cost of a 250 ml jar is about 1200 rubles.

Recipe - how to make glue for sweating with your own hands

Ready-made adhesives for potali are not cheap, so if you wish, you can make an analogue of a store-bought mordan from the available ingredients.

Here are two easy recipes:

• Potali glue based on potato starch and sugar.

1. We dissolve 70 grams of sugar in 200 ml of warm water, put it on the stove, bring the solution to a boil.
2. Then add a teaspoon of vinegar to the composition, mix and boil for another half a minute.
3. We remove the future glue from the fire and, constantly stirring, pour in a third of a glass of potato starch.
4. After cooling, the composition should resemble a creamy mass in consistency. By properties, such glue is close to PVA - after drying, it becomes almost transparent.

• Glue for gilding on cream and cognac.

1. We take 100 grams of heavy cream and the same amount of cognac, mix thoroughly - the glue is ready.
2. We apply the composition to the surface to be treated, wait about 30-60 minutes for the glue to dry and proceed to gilding.

How to glue - an example of working with a transfer potal

How to use Tair glue when working with transfer sheets (foil on film):

1. Product preparation. The surface is degreased, highly absorbent bases (gypsum, wood, etc.) are preliminarily primed with glue.
2. Applying glue. A thin layer of glue is applied to a clean, dry surface to be decorated with a brush.
3. Technological break. A 5-10-minute pause is maintained (the glue will dry out and become transparent during this time).
4. Decoration. The inner side of the sheet of transfer sheet is applied to the surface and gently smoothed with a cotton swab, excess glue is removed. Then the film is removed with a sharp movement.
5. Varnish coating. If desired, to fix and protect the "gilding" from oxidation, you can cover the leaf with a special varnish (Ferrario, Daily ART, etc.).
6. Cleaning of tools. Brushes should be rinsed immediately with warm water after finishing work.

VIDEO INSTRUCTION

Gilding is the process of applying a thin layer of gold or its imitation to an object. There are two types of gilding - gold leaf and potal.

GOLD LEAF AND POTAL - WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

GOLD LEAF

Gold leaf- natural gold in the form of the thinnest sheets, which are stacked in books. Classic 960 gold leaf, but there are also other varieties. Sheets of the 960th test have a warm yellow color of native gold, it is these gold sheets that began to be used in Ancient Russia. The rules for the production of 960 gold leaf are enshrined in GOST 6902-75.

Gold leaf is suitable for use on almost any surface (wood, glass, ceramics, marble, porcelain, metal, plaster, canvas, paint layer, etc.), and is the only suitable material for gilding large objects such as domes, statues, etc. .P. Gold leaf can be used for gilding objects inside and outside the premises, it does not oxidize and does not darken.

POTAL

Applies to interior work only. Recommended for water-repellent surfaces (glass, metal, plastic, etc.) and vertical surfaces. The adhesive is applied with a flat brush on the prepared surface, reaches technological stickiness after 30 minutes and remains usable for 3 hours.

Diluted with alcohol thinner.

For professionals

These tools are usually used when working with gold leaf.

Professional mordan, it is applied both to internal, and to external works. Suitable for all types of surfaces. The adhesive is applied with a flat brush to the prepared surface. The time after which it reaches technological stickiness depends on its type: slow-drying - 12 hours, quick-drying - 1.5 hours. Slow-drying mordan remains usable for 24 hours, quick-drying - for 1.5 hours.
Diluted with white spirit.

Rabbit (rabbit) glue

For special techniques and restoration work. Glue of animal origin, available in granules for easy storage. It is used to create an adhesive base for sheets of gold leaf or gilding. To prepare the glue, it is necessary to dilute the glue in a water bath (100 g of granular glue per 1 liter of water) and filter it with a fine mesh. You can start gilding a few hours after applying the glue.

Fish glue (gelatin)

Gelatin is usually sold in the form of flakes, which must be soaked in water for about 24 hours before use. After softening, it is necessary to finally dissolve the glue in a water bath. Unlike other adhesives, when diluted with water, it slightly increases in volume. Gelatin is used to stick the gold leaf onto the bolus.

Aging

Makes gold shine darker and duller. It is used to give products an aged look. After drying, after 12-24 hours, the bituminous varnish is fixed with shellac varnish.

Paste bitumen is a dense, viscous substance of dark brown color. It has the same properties as ordinary bitumen. Lays down practically on any surface. Dries out in 12-24 hours. Lacquering is recommended to prevent rubbing.

It is used to give an aged look to decorated objects, and in the technique of gilding. Applies to any kind of base. After drying, it requires fixing with a finishing varnish.

Finish coat

Varnish Mecca- protective lacquer, applied to gilded objects to protect them from aging and environmental influences. Available in two types: colorless and gold. The second varnish is used if you want to darken the tone of gold or give a golden hue to silver.

Varnish Tsapun(lacquer Tzapon) - nitrocellulose transparent varnish for protection of products covered with potal. Dries quickly, forms a transparent protective film on shiny metal surfaces, preventing discoloration and corrosion. Suitable for processing products made of silver, copper, brass, bronze, tin, iron.

Water-based varnishes can oxidize potal, therefore, if the use of such a varnish is required, at least three protective coats of alcohol-based varnish must first be applied.

Shellac (Pure gummilac)

After drying, shellac forms a strong, abrasion-resistant, vitreous film. Interferes with formation of cracks and protects a leaf from mechanical and atmospheric influence. Ideal for gilded pieces of furniture that are in frequent use.

Shellac is available both in the form of flakes, from which you can make your own varnish, and in the form of a ready-to-use varnish.

Instruments

Brush for transferring the gold leaf/solid onto the gilder pad or surface. The brushes are made from oxhair or squirrel and range in size from #35 to #85 and larger. Thanks to the use of lampenzel, the thinnest sheets of gold/gold do not crumple or tear during transfer.

Potal and materials for gilding

What is potal?

New things are gilded with potal or antiques are restored. This is an inexpensive imitation of gold leaf. The sweatshirt contains no precious metals. Without going into chemical formulas, we will only say that copper, zinc, aluminum or tin alloys can be in the composition of the sweatshirt. Potal can be used on wood, metal, plaster, glass and other surfaces.

Usually sold in the form of a small folder with sheets. Sheet potal is of two types: transfer and free. At the transfer sheet, each individual sheet is placed on tracing paper or silk paper. Free potal is shifted by two paper sheets. A piece of the desired shape is simply cut off from the transfer sheet and transferred to the surface of the item to be decorated. The paper is then carefully separated from the sheet. Free leaf is cut on a special cushion with a gilding knife. Then you need to take it with a special brush - lampenzel (which we will discuss below) and transfer it to the surface to be decorated.

Potal in crumbs

It is used to create the effect of cracking (craquelure). Or giving the gilded surface of other shades. Can help in creating light transitions. The crumb is applied or sprinkled on the surface treated with glue.

Potal in the form of paint or liquid

A simple and affordable look sweated. Such potal does not require special skills and experience. You simply apply it to the surface with a brush.

Potal in the form of a paste

Suitable for wood, metal, for decorating leather, textiles, souvenirs.

You can apply the paste with your fingers, brush, cloth, sponge. After drying, the surface can

polish to a shine. Similar to gilding wax.

Wax for gilding

Gives bronze or gold color. The purposes of application can be completely different. Some use wax to create the effect of antiquity. Others to add volume to the product. Still others are for tinting surfaces, such as wood. Small cracks and chips on the surface of a gilded object are also sealed with wax. The consistency of wax is similar to mass for modeling. We do not recommend using wax on surfaces that will be subjected to heavy use and friction. Otherwise, the wax will come off the product. Wax can be applied with a finger, brush or sponge. The advantage of wax is its economy. The wax is also aesthetically pleasing in appearance.

Soil under the ceiling

Primers for gilding are ordinary and glue-based. Glue gunt is an excellent universal remedy. It combines both primer and glue. Agree, it is very convenient. Most often, this primer-glue is used with potal. And it is suitable for almost all surfaces. It can be used both on a stencil and on an open area for gilding. Another type of primer for gilding is gesso. It is used for wood or plastered surfaces.

For gilding, special primers are needed, which will ensure the preparation of a flat surface for the application of glue and sweat.

Sweat brushes

What brushes are needed for gilding:

Lampenzel - transfers the gold leaf to the surface of the product. Thanks to this, the potal does not deform and does not tear.

Fan brush - similar to lampenzel. It has the shape of a fan, helps to transfer the potal, smooth it.

Flat brush - you can smooth it, apply paint, varnish, bitumen, patina.

Brush for overcasting and shaking off excess.

agate prong

Polishes a gilded surface with gentle pressure.

Adhesive for potali

We will start with professional adhesives that are suitable for amateurs too:

Mordan- the most famous glue for sweating. It is oil based. It is considered an option for both professionals and amateurs. It is used for both gold leaf and potal. Mordan is applied with a flat brush. Gilding work depends on the drying time of the glue. Some types of Mordan dry for 1.5 hours, others dry for a whole day.

Glues of animal origin. rabbit glue or adhesives of animal origin are often used by professionals and restorers. Produced in granular form, sold in bags. Glue is diluted with steam. Fish glue - is available in flakes and has the property of gelatin. Just like a rabbit is bred by steam.

More simple options for adhesives for potali. Suitable for indoor use only

Water-acrylic adhesive, water based adhesive, milk for gilding- Suitable for indoor use only. Not suitable for smooth water-repellent surfaces without texture. That is, with glass, metal, stone surfaces is not applicable. 15 minutes after application, ready to work for an hour.

Alcohol glue. Here it is just suitable for glass surfaces, stone and metal. But only for objects standing indoors. Ready for work in half an hour after application and work for three hours.

Sweat protection varnish

Of course, the gilded surface must be protected. Suitable for this special varnish. The most popular top coat lacquer is called shellac. Shellac is a natural alcohol-based resin. Suitable for items that will be used frequently because it is very durable. Due to the strength of shellac, it is resistant to moisture, friction and cracking. Sold in dry and liquid form.

Alcohol-based varnishes - prevents the oxidation of sweat.

Water-based varnishes can oxidize the gilding.

Means for decorating a gilded surface

Patina- used to create the effect of aging of the surface. Artificially creates the effect of blue-green or red streaks and smudges. Allows you to create an antique effect. Such an effect appears on monuments oxidized from exposure to the atmosphere.

bituminous varnish or wax- allows you to create blackouts and dark streaks of a natural look. Gives additional volume and texture to the product. Dries from 12 hours to a day. You need to apply it under the varnish, otherwise it will be erased.

Benefits of using potal

First of all, this is a benefit - potal reduces the cost of work. It significantly reduces the price in the estimates of restorers. The second advantage is the ease of use for beginners. It is easier to correct inaccuracies when applied to the surface of objects, because the leaf is thicker than gold leaf. And potal, unlike gold, is not a pity to spoil.

What if I don't succeed?

Everything will work out. Watch tutorial videos and read articles. If you are not afraid, gilding will bring a lot of pleasure.

Materials and tools
. potal
. Adhesive for potali
. Glue brush
. Lampemsel (Paw) - flat squirrel brush
. Scissors
. Gilder's knife
. Gilder's pillow
. Soft cotton cloth or cotton swab
. Protective varnish for sweating

Foundation preparation.
Metal bases must be cleaned of dirt, dust, grease, rust and primed with a special metal primer or red lead.
Glass, plastic, chrome-plated or nickel-plated metal in most cases do not need to be primed, it is enough to clean them of dirt and degrease the surface.
Applying the background.
The color of the background depends on what effect you want to achieve when gilding with gold leaf. To achieve, for example, the effect of cracks, to give the product an antique effect, you can make the background black. The sheet is very thin and lays unevenly, especially on relief places, so cracks will form. On a black background, they will be clearly visible. If it is necessary to achieve a uniform golden surface, then the background color should be matched to the color of the sweatshirt.
For uniform coloring of the product, it is desirable to cover it with paint at least twice.
Applying glue for sweating.
After the paint has dried, you can apply a layer of glue for sweating. Glue can be applied to primed metal surfaces as follows: first apply glue with a brush, wait 5-10 minutes, then use an almost dry brush (which applied glue) a second time to remove (smear) smudges. After that, you need to wait 10-15 minutes. when the glue dries, the surface of the product will become sticky. The drying time of each glue is indicated in the instructions for it.
When gilding with gold leaf, the main thing is to apply a uniform amount of glue, not a lot, but not a little, the gold leaf may not stick to those parts of the product that were poorly smeared with glue.
Applying sweat.
Potal can be transfer (each sheet is placed on tracing paper or white silk paper) and free (transferred with two sheets of paper). In the first case, you can cut off the desired piece of sweat along with paper with scissors and transfer it to the product. When the leaf sticks to the product, the paper can be carefully peeled off. In the second case, the desired shape is cut out of the gold leaf on a pillow for gilding with a special gilder's knife. Then the gold leaf is taken with a special brush (lampemsel) and transferred to the product. Please note that the sheet is very thin and must be handled carefully and carefully. The sheet can be smoothed with a kolinsky brush, gently tapped on the surface or smoothed. Pieces of sweat that did not stick to the product must be collected; they can cover uncovered places of the product. When the sheeting is evenly smoothed, it can be pressed firmly and smoothed out with a cloth or cotton swab. Potal must be applied with an overlap. IMPORTANT: the cotton swab should not go on the glued surface, otherwise pieces of cotton wool may remain on the glued surface, and it will be impossible to remove them without breaking the adhesive layer.
Gilded surface finish.
Sheets of sweat stick not evenly, and not tightly. First, gilding defects (gaps) are covered with the remnants of sweating. The sheet after application and complete drying (drying time depends on the applied base, as a rule, after 2-3 hours, but sometimes 12 hours) is polished. They start polishing from the corner, draw straight strokes over the surface, after each pass the surface of the gold becomes more glossy. The surface is polished to complete uniformity - the joints of the sheets are carefully smoothed out, the seams should not be visible.
protective layer.
Potal can oxidize and fade over time. To prevent this from happening, the coated surface can be treated with a protective varnish. The varnish is applied with a brush. There are types of varnish designed to protect against mechanical damage and exposure to cleaning products. Potal can also be covered with special bitumen to give the effect of antiquity.

Sometimes you really want to add the charm of aristocracy and respectability to your home. When we pronounce these words, the imagination draws a royal castle, a classic interior and luxurious furniture with carved decor and gilding, pictures in magnificent frames and other exquisite details. We will tell you about a great opportunity to add such moments to your home without spending a lot of money and a lot of effort. We will talk about a very interesting technique of gilding products with potal.

Potal is an excellent replacement for gold leaf, which practically does not differ in its texture and visual effect. Products that are covered with sweat, sometimes even experienced professionals can not always distinguish from gold leaf.

The subtleties of working with potal

This technique requires some skills, but it is quite possible to master it. And when you try, you can feel like a real master who is able to transform and make your interior luxurious.

To start working with potal, you need to purchase the following materials:

Materials for gilding

2. Special lampenzel brush or synthetic fan brush

6. Protective varnish for gilding (shellac)

The main stages of gold leaf gilding

Consider an important point first. Choose a working area in a dust-free room where there are no drafts. It is also advisable to breathe through your nose, do not sneeze or cough. It's such a soft and receptive material. But seriously, find a corner where you can work with potal. Surprise your family and friends with your new hobby. Let them freeze with delight when they see the finished result.

Stage one:

We prepare the surface of the product. It is necessary to clean the surfaces from contamination, in those places where it is necessary. If you work with wood, then in order to achieve an even base for gilding, it must be primed. Products made of plastic, glass or metal are easy to clean and degrease.

Stage two:

We apply glue. There are two types of gilding, oil and polyment. However, we advise you to start with adhesive (polyment). In the instructions for the glue you will find information on how long to withstand it. If desired, you can use special glue sticks. They are sometimes more convenient.

Stage three:

The most important and most interesting moment. We begin to apply potal. The desired shape from the sheet of potali can be cut on a piece of suede with an ordinary kitchen knife. It is desirable that it be flexible and wide. To transfer the potal to the surface, use the lampenzel. This is a special brush that must first be electrified, and then drawn over the skin, which has been treated with Vaseline cream. Extremely carefully smooth the sweat sheet with a kolinsky brush. In the process, tap with a cotton swab or brush hairs. Rest until everything is dry. If you decide to cover the metal with gold leaf, then it is pressed and polished with a cotton swab. Potal is applied without fail with an overlap.

Stage four:

The peculiarity of the material is that it sticks to the surface not quite perfectly and evenly. The gaps are first filled with the remaining pieces of sweat. After the surface has dried (this can take from 3 to 12 hours), it is carefully polished with something like a pumice stone. Start polishing from the corner and until a uniform effect is fully achieved. Try to make sure that there are no seams. In the final, we cover everything with a protective varnish.

Working with potal is incredibly calming and gives pleasant emotions. And the finished result will fill you with undisguised pride. From small accessories to large pieces of furniture. You can transform all this yourself. A little practice and skill. And perhaps you will discover a skilled gilding master in yourself.