This system consist of 2 products:
1. Instacoll Base, in colourless or yellow
2. Instacoll Activator
Method :
Surface treatment prior to gilding:
All outdoor substrates should be prepared using standard techniques to create a weather-resistant surface.
For indoor gilding, surfaces need to be non-porous, completely dry and free from dust and grease.
Best results are attained on flat surfaces.
When gilding onto metal surfaces a weather resistant surface treatment is recommended.
Light matting of glossy surfaces prior to application of Instacoll is recommended.
Application of Instacoll base:
The Instacoll base should be applied using a very smooth synthetic brush to minimise brush marks. It cannot be applied with a roller. If necessary, the Instacoll base can be diluted with tap water. The product formulation is such, that at a temperature of 15°C to 22°C no dilution is needed. Between 5°C and 15°C a light dilution is needed. Under 5°C application is not possible. Above 22°C it is only possible to treat small surfaces.
Instacoll base should be applied generously; brush marks will show up through the gilding if this layer is applied too thinly. In order to get a more even result, or if the surface is porous, it is possible to apply a second layer once the first layer has fully dried.
The dry Instacoll base layer should be glossy to ensure a brilliant gilded surface afterwards. Drying time (at 20°C) is a minimum of 1 to 3 hrs ( for experienced gilders ) and at least 24 hrs for less experienced gilders. Allow extra drying time when relative humidity is higher, or temperature is lower. Make sure the Instacoll base layer is completely dry before proceeding with the next step. Test this by pressing one of the thin interleaving sheets from a gold leaf booklet gently onto the surface , if it doesn’t adhere then the Instacoll base is dry.
Please note:
The Instacoll system cannot be used for objects in permanent or regular contact with water (fountains, etc)
Coverage of Instacoll base is approximately 1m² per 100ml.
Application of Instacoll activator and gold leaf:
When the Instacoll base is dry, the activator can be applied. This can be applied onto freshly dried layers of Instacoll base, or onto layers that are days, weeks, or even months old, as long as the surface is clean.
To apply the activator, use a piece of soft cotton that has been dipped into the activator. Do not allow the cotton to become soaking wet, as the activator needs to be applied extremely thinly. If too much activator is applied, it will cause the final gilded finish to be matte or patchy.
Once the activator has been applied, it takes about 5 to 10 minutes for the Instacoll layer to attain the right tackiness to receive the gold leaf, and this window of time for applying the gold leaf remains open for up to 60 minutes.
Gently press the transfer gold leaf onto the surface with a soft cloth or a piece of chamois.
For non-flat surfaces, there is the handy Instacoll tool, which can be used to push the leaf into any deeper lying areas of the surface.
Polishing or buffing the gilded surface:
The next step is polishing or buffing the gilded surface. This can be done using a soft piece of cloth, dry cotton wool, chamois cloth or the special Instacoll Chiffonettes. These are folded and then rubbed or turned over the gilded surface to buff the gold to a high shine and erase any remainders of overlapping leaves. This burnishing process has to take place during the ‘open time’ of the activator (60 minutes) and can only be done one single time.
Please note:
Burnishing with agate stones is not possible.
Activation can be repeated on the same surface if needed.
Never apply activator onto an already gilded surface.
Weather resistance:
Surfaces gilded with transfer gold leaf can be exposed to outside conditions immediately . For surfaces gilded with loose gold leaf, a waiting period of 24 hours is recommended before being exposed to outdoor conditions.
The initial brilliant high gloss of the gold will slightly diminish after a while, but will always remain brighter than the brilliance of an oil-gilded surface.
Instacoll Base and Instacoll Activator have a shelf life of up to a maximum of 2 years.
