This page shows an easy method for applying metal leaf to gourds.
The process can be used on many other surfaces as well. Yes, I sell
the PSA material and metal leaf as well. You do not have to purchase
materials from me. I do know these materials work well when used
with the following instructions.

Materials needed -  metal leaf, composition or real - special PSA material
as used in the following instructions - cotton balls - scissors, craft knife,
punches, etc.

Step 1. Design the shapes that you wish to apply to your gourd. The surface
should be clean, dry and/or primed. Gesso works well for a base coat. You
may want to lightly out line the areas using a pencil.

Step 2.  Since the PSA material has a release sheet on both sides normal
writing instruments do not work well. Just use a pen with enough pressure
to scribe your design on to the PSA material so you can see it well enough
to cut out the pieces.

Step 3. Cut out your designed pieces. One side of the release paper is
easier to remove that the other. I suggest you keep the side that is most
easily removed for the bottom side.

Step 4. Remove one side of the release paper from the PSA material and
CAREFULLY apply it where you want it. The release paper is somewhat stiff
but the actual adhesive film and carrier are very flexible. Once in place use a
 hard, smooth tool, such as the back of a spoon to burnish the PSA material
in place. We suggest doing a single piece at a time.

Step 5. Depending on the curve of the surface, after removing the release
paper you may notice a that the adhesive film is not totally in touch with the
surface of the gourd. Use the removed release paper and place it over the
area and burnish until it is totally covering the surface area. Be careful to 
not touch the exposed PSA film with ANYTHING! An alternative method
is to pencil in the area you wish to cover. Cover the area using a piece of
the PSA film that is LARGER. Burnish the film. Remove the release paper
and then using a craft knife trim the film using the pencil lines as guides.
 Once the release paper is gone you'll notice the PSA film is transparent.

Step 6. CAREFULLY remove enough metal leaf to more than cover the area
of the gourd with the adhesive film. Lay it over the film and GENTLY apply
light pressure using just your finger tips. DO NOT SNEEZE!!

Step 7. Take a cotton ball and GENTLY rub the cotton ball over the area of
the metal leaf and the excess leaf will be removed. DO NOT try to apply a
lot of pressure. If you rub to hard you'll rub through the leaf to the adhesive.

Step 8. The metal leaf must now be sealed using a WATER BASED varnish.
Any other type of varnish will destroy the adhesive. There are many types
of water based varnishes available at craft, hobby, paint and home stores.
If you desire you should be able to apply acrylic paint and over the area
once is has been sealed with the varnish. Using many coats of varnish
and or paints can provide some very interesting effects.

PLEASE do some small practice pieces before attempting a finished piece.
There may be modifications or methods you may find easier once you have
the time to experiment. Feel free to contact us with comments or questions.

8" x 11" PSA material $1.50 per sheet or 10 sheets for $13.00

Composition gold or silver leaf - 25 sheets $6.50

Click here to go to the metal leaf on fabric kit FAQ page.

Click here to see our T shirts for sale with metal leaf applied.

ORDERING - We accept MASTERCARD & VISA - Please call for credit card orders. We prefer to ship by insured or priority mail. Prices subject to change and do not include shipping and handling. Business hours are M - F, 8 to 5 CST.

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D. Brooker & Associates, 16283 - 425th St., Derby, Iowa 50068 USA

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