Re finishing a bass in gold leaf....

[Magnolia]

For a while now I've given some thought into coving a bass in gold leaf. As i think it'd look awesome.

Has anyone got any experience in doing this? I'm not sure if i should just apply it direct onto an already finished (black) bass then a few coats of clear coat over it to protect...Or if i should strip the bass first?

[LukeFRC]

I would strip back. then apply a colour beneath it then leaf then clear coat.
Have you worked with gold leaf much before in the past? A good friend of mine uses it a lot in her art. It's not easy to use and I'm unsure what kind of finish you are expecting to get....[quote name='Magnolia' timestamp='1330458408' post='1557906'] For a while now I've given some thought into coving a bass in gold leaf. As i think it'd look awesome. Has anyone got any experience in doing this? I'm not sure if i should just apply it direct onto an already finished (black) bass then a few coats of clear coat over it to protect...Or if i should strip the bass first? [/quote]

[paulflan0151]

Could try this stuff out, been thinking of using it on a build myself.

[url="http://www.specialistpaints.com/products/metal-flakes"]http://www.specialistpaints.com/products/metal-flakes[/url]

[Magnolia]

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1330459279' post='1557924']
I would strip back. then apply a colour beneath it then leaf then clear coat.
Have you worked with gold leaf much before in the past? A good friend of mine uses it a lot in her art. It's not easy to use and I'm unsure what kind of finish you are expecting to get....
[/quote]

I've not used it before, but after a bit of googling and watching some youtube vids its something I think I could do half decently. I'd test it out first on a cheapo bass before I let lose on an expensive one.


[quote name='paulflan0151' timestamp='1330461019' post='1557965']
Could try this stuff out, been thinking of using it on a build myself.

[url="http://www.specialistpaints.com/products/metal-flakes"]http://www.specialis...ts/metal-flakes[/url]
[/quote]

Using these paints was another idea I had for the bass. I decided to go with gold leaf though as its just a little different than using a sparkle finish.

I think go to take a stroll to my local arts and craft shop tomorrow and get all i need. Should be a fun project for the weekend.

[apa]

It can be done :-)

I did it on a ryder.

Its evil stuff. I would recommend getting the leaves on the backing paper rather than loose. I wouldnt worry about the under finish as long as its sound. Give it a bit of a fine rub down to form a key but it must be fine because those few microns of leaf thickness will show everything underneath. Use PVA glue thined down about 80% glue to 20% water. Get one of those mini paint rollers that are fluffy. Paint the area about 2 leaves in size at a time. Lay the leaf on it. It took me quit a while to get the knack. If I knew what I was doing in the first place i would have needed 2 books for just the sides and head stock. I actually used 3!! The base colour makes a difference to the finished gold colour to. Put a clear coat over the top to protect.

I got mine from here:

[url="http://www.goldleafsupplies.co.uk/"]http://www.goldleafsupplies.co.uk/[/url]

Just watch the postage. You have to ask for ordinary delivery. Its suprisingly cheap considering. Theres a few hints on the site too.

Heres the finished artical:








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