Gold/Silver Leaf Floating Image
Instructions for– the box (day 1 & 4)
Instructions for applying the leaf (day 2)
Instructions for applying polyurethane coating (day 3 & 5)
Instructions for placing the Image (day 4)
- Using scrap matte board cut a backing sheet larger than the size of the finished piece. We will use this as a baseboard for catching excess polyurethane.
- Using a hot glue gun, attach two 2x2 inch square pieces of foam core in the center of the back of the wood board to ask as a support above the baseboard.
- To create the box around the platform you have just created, take 2-inch wide strips of matte board and position them around the wood piece to create a box shape. NOTE: If you position them similarly to a pinwheel, starting on one side and working around they will fit together without needing to be measured for length.
- Once the pieces are in position, hot glue them to each other so they are snug to the wooden project board
- DO NOT glue the pieces to the wooden project board or the baseboard. The box you create must separate from the baseboard you have made.
- Put your name on all parts of the box and on the baseboard. Please note that the box will be broken apart during the polyurethane process.
Instructions for applying the leaf (day 2)
- Using only the board, apply an even coating of leaf adhesive with a soft brush. The surface should appear wet, but not puddle with glue.
- Using silver or gold leafing material, place a sheet of wax paper over the leafing material to lift the leaf onto your project
- Press the leaf gently to the board and rub softly with your finger.
- Apply and re-apply leafing material until the board is fully covered. You may need to reapply adhesive as necessary if the leafing will no longer stuck.
- Please note the leafing material will not stick to itself so once you feel the board is covered, use a soft brush to remove any excess leafing material.
- Apply leaf sealer to the board in a thin even coating – Note: excess sealer will appear as yellowish splotches under the polyurethane.
- Allow board to dry for 24 hours.
Instructions for applying polyurethane coating (day 3 & 5)
- Replace the box around your board. Look for gaps and be sure it is level– you need the tightest fit you can get before adding the poly.
- The poly coating comes in 2 bottles that when mixed in even amounts will harden – be sure to keep them separate until you are ready to work.
- Set up your area: you will need 2 plastic cups, your box/board combination, a backing board (scrap of matte board larger than your project), and a stir stick.
- Work with a partner - label your cups – 1 & 2. Part one is generally the less sticky substance.
- Keeping them separate, pour equal parts of 1 & 2 into the corresponding cups – pour about 1 inch (depending on the size of the cups).
- Only when you are both ready – pour cup 1 into cup 2 (less stick substance into the other cup) and scrape out any excess until the cup is virtually empty.
- Vigorously stir the combined substance with the stick until it is fully mixed – it will look bubbly.
- In the next part – Note that the faster your pour, spread and blow the easier it is.
- Pour the mixed poly onto your project from the center out and tilt your project/box while holding the bottom board until the mixture has completely covered the surface.
- Set the project on the table and BLOW/ EXHALE – you are popping all the bubbles to create a clear surface. You may need to look at it from an angle to check that all the bubbles have been popped. Pay particular attention to the corners.
- Remember to breathe, but inhale AWAY from the box. Once all the bubbles are gone, leave your project on the table and I will break apart the board after the polyurethane begins to set up.
Instructions for placing the Image (day 4)
- See Instructions for DAY 1
- Replace/reconstruct the box around your board. Look for gaps and be sure it is level– you need the tightest fit you can get before adding the poly.
- Cut your image from the acetate sheet to the size of your leafed board. Be sure it lies flat to the board - if it is small it will float in the space when you add the polyurethane / if too large it will trap air between the layers and not attach fully.
- See Instructions for applying polyurethane coating - DAY 5
- Set up your area: you will need 2 plastic cups, your box/board combination, a backing board (scrap of matte board larger than your project), and a stir stick.
- Place your image on top of the leafed board and repeat application steps for the polyurethane from DAY 3.