Kölner Rapid Size for Gilding on Stone
Overview
Kölner Rapid is a gold leaf water base size/adhesive that is especially designed for gilding chiseled or sand-blasted letters on stone such as granite and marble monuments.
Rapid Stone is available in both Yellow and Clear and in 50 ml and 100 ml bottles.
Surface Preparation
The surfaces must be dry and free from dust and grease. If the stone has been gilded before, remove all of the previously gilded material first.
Application of Rapid Stone Size
Use a synthetic fiber brush to apply Rapid at full strength. Do not dilute.
After applying, allow about 15 minutes to reach proper tack, depending on the thickness of the application, temperature and humidity. Porous surfaces may require more than one coat. If applying additional coats of Rapid, wait approximately 15 minutes between applying coats.
Application of Leaf
After the final coat has been applied and reached tack, gold or silver leaf can be applied for up to 8 hours, depending on temperature and humidity.
Transfer leaf is preferred, but loose leaf can be used.Important: Immediately after applying the leaf, use an Kolner Tissue to apply pressure to the back of the transfer paper to push the leaf down into the Rapid stone size to make sure it completely adheres to the size. Edges can be overlapped and the edges forced together with a bit of pressure. A Kolner Tool can be helpful for pushing the leaf in to tight spaces.
Polishing the Leaf
After the leaf has been gilded and cleaned up, the surface can be polished using a Kolner Tissue by lightly wiping the leaf in one direction. When finished polishing, the result will be a bright beautiful shiny surface that will last for many years.
NOTES
DO NOT SEAL higher karat gold leaf (23 or above) or palladium after gilding. It will dull the finish and the sealant will weather faster than the gold.
IF USING LOW KARAT gold leaf, or silver leaf, the leaf should be sealed to prevent tarnishing.
For longevity, especially on outdoor installations, we highly recommend using a heavier leaf.
Cat Tongue tapered brushes work well on detailed carvings.
RESISTANCE TO BAD WEATHER
Rapid Stone Size is an outdoor size, however it will last longer if allowed to completely set and dry before being subjected to poor weather conditions.
Outdoor surfaces that lay flat and catch rain water will result in faster weathering. Kölner Instacoll may provide more project longevity.
Cleanup
Clean up brushes and tools with warm soap and water.
Do not return unused solutions to their container, discard.
SAFETY
Keep out of reach of children.
Kolner Rapid Stone Size is 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.