Miniatum is a product that has been developed to make high-gloss gildings without polishing on flexible surfaces such as leather, paper, parchment, etc. The product will be especially appreciated by those involved in calligraphy and decorating book covers. The product is very elastic and can even be used on pages of books and writings that are read regularly without the gold breaking or crumbling.
All gilding work known in calligraphy can be carried out together with Miniatum ink. The difference between these two products is that with Miniatum the gilding is clearly on the work with a certain layer thickness and when using the Miniatium Ink no layer thickness is created.
When gilding on paper, we recommend in any case to choose a good quality paper. Use at least 120 grams for smooth paper and at least 200 grams for textured paper.
Miniatum method :
Substrates must be dry, free of dust and grease. The product is processed at room temperature. For longer working hours, the tool (brush) should be cleaned with water between work. Large surfaces are first primed with a (± 5%) layer diluted with tap water. The intention is to create a smooth layer. Does this not arise in one layer; then apply up to three coats. It is best to use the special Kölner brushes from Toray hair.
Several layers can be applied quickly (± 30 min.) One after the other. Finally, the layers are allowed to dry for at least 5 hours. The surface should no longer feel tacky. A good method is to apply the layers in the evening and glue the sheet metal the next morning. Only if a very thin layer has been applied, it will be applied earlier and a drying time of approximately 2 hours will take place.
After the drying time you have ± 24 hours to apply the gold leaf or silver. You use gold leaf or silver stuck on rolling paper. For beat metal / schlag , you have about 8 hours. The sheet metal is cut to size and pressed and rubbed quite vigorously on the substrate with an Instacoll Tissue or soft cloth. If you are removing the transfer paper and there are still places that are not gilded, then re-paste locally, you have probably not applied enough pressure. When the sheet metal has been applied, it is still lightly polished with a soft cloth, a mirror shine will arise.
