Kölner Permacoll Size
Overview
Kolner Permacoll Base and Permacoll HA are slow sizes. Permacoll Base was developed for gold and silver and Permacoll HA was developed for copper and imitation gold and silver leaf. Both are high performance gilding sizes for interior projects. Permacoll Bases do not require an activator and have a tack time of about 15 to 30 minutes after which you can apply the leaf. The advantage of Permacoll is the long OPEN TIME for applying the metal leaf. You can apply the metal leaf hours later and even up to days later. The gilding results in a BRIGHT shiny gilded surface, which has the appearance of being water gilded and burnished. It is sometimes referred to as a 'Liquid Burnisher’. The brightness using the Permacoll Size is not as bright as when using Kolner Instacoll.
Permacoll Size is available in both Red and Clear and is available in 100-ml, 500-ml, 1-liter and 4-liter containers.
Permacoll Base and Permacoll HA can be applied with a brush or sprayed.
Surface Preparation
The surfaces must be dry and free from dust and grease. When gilding on metal surfaces the surface must be primed and best to have two layers of high gloss finish. These layers must be dried completely. The last layer needs to be scuffed with Scotch Brite scuff pads or very lightly sanded. The primer and the high gloss finishing work as an isolation layer to prevent contact corrosion between the base and the leaf.
NOTE: The smoother the gilding surface is the better and brighter the finished gilding will look.
Never apply Instacoll Base directly on powder coatings. Always apply a primer base coat first, then apply the base.
Application of Permacoll Base and Permacoll Base HA Using a Brush
Synthetic fiber brushes work best for applying Permacoll Base and Permacoll Base HA.
The product does not need to be thinned at temperatures between 60 °F and 77 °F. Between 40 °F and 60 °F the product must be thinned slightly with water. The product must not be used at temperatures below 40 °F.
Application of Permacoll Base and Permacoll Base HA by Spraying (low pressure)
Set the product on a viscosity between 20 and 28 seconds (Din-cup 4) at 68 ° F. (The product must not be used below 40 °F). This is equal to thinning with water between 5% and 10 %. In general a spray aperture of 1mm to 11⁄2 mm is works best. The drying time will be extended because the sprayed layer is usually thicker than a layer that is applied by using a brush. Optionally test with a tissue paper (see drying time).
Tack/Dry Time
At a temperature of about 68 °F, the Permcoll Base and Permacoll Base HA will reach tack in about 15 to 30 minutes depending on the temperature and humidity.
Transfer Leaf
Transfer gold is preferred as it is much easier to apply than loose leaf. With the leaf side down, lay the transfer leaf onto the surface you are gilding and firmly press the leaf down onto the Permacoll Base using an Kolner Tissue to gently force the leaf into the Permacoll Base. Remove the transfer paper leaving the leaf on the surface being gilded.
Loose Leaf
If you do not have transfer leaf, use a Gilders Tip to pick up the loose leaf carefully lay it on the item being gilded.
From one of the leaf books, remove a sheet of the tissue paper that separates the leaves. Place the tissue paper on the back of the leaf, and use an Kolner Tissue to gently apply pressure on the tissue paper, rubbing and pushing the gold leaf down into the Instacoll Base size.
The leaves can be overlapped slightly so that the entire surface is covered. The edges of the leaves can be pushed into each other by laying a piece of the transfer paper or tissue paper from the book on the seam of the overlap. Use a Kolner Tissue to gently apply pressure to the paper, pushing the leaves together.
Helpful Hints
For surfaces with reliefs or high detail the Instacoll Tool can be used to work the leaf down into corners and crevices.
Do NOT polish the gold leaf and do NOT use an agate burnisher.
Weather-resistance
Permacoll Size is to be used indoors only and should not be exposed to any type of weather condition.
Cleanup
Clean up brushes and tools with warm soap and water.
Do not return unused solutions to their container, discard.
Storage
Keep Permacoll Bases in a dry, cool, well-ventilate area, away from UV light and direct sunlight. Keep the containers tightly closed and avoid frost and heat. Depending on storage conditions, shelf life of unused products is 1-2 years.
SAFETY
Permacoll Bases are not toxic. However they may cause skin or eye irritation, and should be kept away from food and drink.
A complete safety data sheet from Kölner Products can be viewed here.
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.