Posted by Robert on January 10, 2004
Larry WhiteI have read several articles and often pondered the implications or ramifications of applying one phase of finish onto a piece before another.
I recently completed a piece that I wish I had created my blend area before applying a flitz next too because I was afraid my mask would not properly cover the area. I also created another piece where I applied the abalone in one area before the other areas were finished and found myself with some difficulty manuevering through other areas so...here is a list and I invite you to throw in processes that I may not have included:
1.chipping/acid etching
2.laying leaf
3. backup/screening
4. abalone
5. blends
6. background colors/blends
7. image placement...ie. oils/portraits
8. silvering
Is there a set standard or rule of thumb for placement?
Your thoughts
Mike JacksonMy typical procedure would be various renditions of:
1) Edge scalloping and hole drilling, always first.
2) All glass surface modifications including; acid etching/embossing, sandcarving, glue chipping.
3) Solution gilding; angel gilding, lead or silver deposition. Backing up and cleaning off excess.
4)Typically I start with rendering of main copy or the most "forward" part of the design; glazing, gilding, backup, outlining, drop or blended shades.
5)Secondary and tertiary copy.
6)Borders and miscellanious gilding and painting.
7)Panel backgrounds; blends, marbles, faux finishes, etc. (seal previous work with shellac prior to executing background.)
Embellishments; abalone, glass jewels, watch crystals, glitter, flitters, pictorial application, etc. all done last.
Small windows for embellishments can be masked with static cling masking and painted over, then removed. Or, some embellishments can be applied prior to final background if backed by a surface gild and fully sealed.
I usually define my color palette and sequence of execution when developing the artwork. The design along with the proposed finishing treatments will typically dictate the order in which they are executed. On complex pieces, I typically write up an outline of the steps to follow so I don't forget anything.
Continual inspection from the front at every step is manditory for the highest degrees of success.
Happy gilding! -LW
Well, I'd have to move silvering up to #2--after the chipping or etching, but before leaf, screens and so forth. The process of silvering will often lift the paint if done last.
As with most projects, the ordering would "depend" on the processes and the actual design. Angel Gilding or Silvering is still #2 in my book--and it is difficult to Angel Gild and Solution Silver on the same piece. In some cases, you can wipe off the gold deposit in desired areas, then do the silvering the entire background. I never had much success doing it reliably. Either the gold was too stubborn or the process of trying to wipe it up contaminated the silvered area. You can angel gild and back up and clean off the excess gold, but the gold back up is quite fragile and can't stand up to vigorous scrubbing to get the glass perfectly clean. Additionally, the silvering (requiring a lot of water) step can lift the back up paint.
Hope this helps,
Mike Jackson
Robert
Thanks Mike, Larry
Larry WhiteYou have answered my questions! Thanks!
Larry...one question...do you acid etch before or after you have placed your glue for chipping?
Mike...I had noticed a piece you did where there was a problem with protecting a corner area for details that gave you some trouble. It was on the Barber sign. Could you elaborate on what you might have done differently?
Thanks for the time to answer!
Mike JacksonIf chipping and acid etching on the same piece, I'll mask for etching, asphaltum, weed and apply acid, remask over the existing asphaltum for blasting (which covers up the acid etch), blast, peel mask, then flow in the glue. Both techniques with one coat of asphaltum.
-LW
Robert, I have slept too many times since I had whatever problem I may have had on that one. I believe the issue was the fact I was going to airbrush the background prior to adding the mother of pearl. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been an issue at all.
Mike Jackson
Denver Chapter of the Letterheads