Kölner KGGG Gilding System Information & Instructions
Overview
The Kölner KGGG Fond System is a three-part gilding system that consists of a Sealer Primer, Fond Burnishing Clay and an Adhesive. The KGGG Fond System replaces traditional labor-intensive Gesso and Bole water gilding and yields a beautiful gilded surface that can be burnished to intensify the gold luster.
Fond is available in several colors, each of which will change the tone of the gold. Different colors can be combined to achieve custom colors. The KGGG System is not recommended for copper, imitation gold or silver--consider using Permacoll HA instead.
Fond can be used over all oil base or water base primers/sealers surfaces.
Surface Preparation
Surfaces that are being gilded must be dry and free from dust and grease. It is best to sand the surface to make it as smooth as possible. A sealer is applied to create a smooth surface for the fond.
Application of Sealer:
Several layers of primer/sealer may be needed to fill in and seal larger cracks or crevices. Each layer should be allowed to dry completely (about one hour) and then be lightly sanded before adding the next layer. The last coat should also be sanded, but not to the point where it is slick or shiny. Fond requires a slightly scuffed surface to adhere properly.
Any sealer can be used, but Kölner Sealer P is recommended as it ready to be used straight out of the bottle.
Synthetic brushes are recommended for applying the sealer/primer.
Application of Fond:
After the primer/sealer is completely dry, the Fond can be applied. Fond should be slowly and thoroughly mixed before use. To avoid creating bubbles, do not shake. Fond can be used directly out of the bottle, using a brush to apply thin coats. A minimum of four coats is recommended to ensure that any cracks or flaws are filled.
To achieve a smooth surface, after each coat of Fond is added, polish the surface with a damp cloth to remove any brush-strokes and create a mirror like surface. When the final coat is completely dry, use a dry cloth to polish the surface to its final smooth, shiny luster. The smoother the surface, the brighter the final gold will look when burnished.
Application of the Adhesive:
After the fond has dried, an adhesive must be added prior to gilding. Make sure the surface is dust free prior to applying the adhesive.
Kölner Colnafix or Kölner Colnasol are the recommended adhesives. Colnafix can be used directly from the bottle after gentle stirring. Colnasol must be prepared in advance. (Click here for instructions).
Applying the Leaf:
Using a Size Brush, brush on a liberal amount of adhesive to a small area where the leaf will be placed. Using a gilders tip, quickly pick up and lay the gold leaf sheet on the area with adhesive. Then apply adhesive to the next area and then a piece of gold leaf. Continue until the entire surface is covered. Transfer leaf is not recommended as it may not adequately loosen from the transfer paper, or adhere to the surface being gilded.
TIP: It helps to have the item at an angle of 30-60 degrees to allow excess adhesive to drain off.
Allow the gold leaf to completely dry for about 24 hours before burnished using an agate burnisher.
Cleanup
Clean up brushes and tools with warm soap and water.
Discard unused solutions. Do not return container.
Storage
Fond: Keep the container tightly closed and avoid frost or excessive heat. It has a 1-2 year shelf life.
Colnasol: Keep the container tightly closed and avoid frost or excessive heat. Keep refrigerated to extend its shelf life, which is about 2-3 months before being mixed with water, and about 6 weeks after it has been mixed with water.
Colnafix: Keep the container tightly closed and avoid frost or excessive heat. Keep refrigerated to extend its shelf life, which is about one year.
Sealer P: Keep the container tightly closed and avoid frost or excessive heat. It has a shelf life of 1-2 years.
SAFETY
KGGG components are not toxic. However they may cause skin or eye irritation, and should be kept away from food and drink. Keep out of reach of children.
DISCLAIMER
The conditions, methods of handling and use of this product are beyond our control and may be beyond our knowledge. For this reason, we do not assume responsibility and expressly disclaim liability for loss, damage or expenses arising out of or in any way connected to the handling, storage, use or disposal of this product.