Kölner KGGG system Fond is what you need to create a high-quality and super shiny gold finish using Genuine Gold Leaf. The Fond system consists of three components:
Kölner KGGG system component 1
The impregnation agent (Sealer P, Sealer 123A), Component 2 is burnishing clay (Fond), and Component 3 is a size for water gilding (Colnasol). Alternatively, you can make your size using rabbit skin glue.
KGGG-System Sealer 123a
The impregnation agent is designed to seal porous surfaces by forming a film within the material without creating a closed layer on the surface. This product is suitable for various materials, including plaster and paper. The impregnation agent enhances the adhesion between the work material and the subsequent primer coat. Therefore, it is crucial to use the appropriate impregnation agent. This agent also improves the adhesive properties of the KGGG-System Fond.
Kölner Sealer P
Sealer P is a water-dilutable acrylic resin dispersion with less than 1% solvent content. Once applied and dried, the film can only be removed using acetone or ethanol. Make sure to wash brushes with water after use. It can be stored for a minimum of one year.
The advantages of Sealer P over Sealer 123A include improved adhesion for Kölner KGGG Fond and spray fond and a lower impregnation depth for highly absorbent substrates, such as plaster. Sealer 123A is diluted with water and is applied to reduce the absorbency of surfaces, ensuring proper adhesion for the subsequent layer of fond. It is suitable for gilding on plaster, stone, and wood.
Kölner KGGG system component 2
Kölner Fond is a water-based, one-layer gilder’s clay that replaces the traditional Gesso and bole/poliment layers. It can be applied directly in the desired colour without the need to warm the product. Typically, 4 to 6 layers are used, depending on the type of relief present. It is important to achieve a dry film thickness of 150 μm in all areas where the leaf metal will be burnished.
Before application, ensure that the Fond is stirred thoroughly; do not shake it, as this may introduce air bubbles. Apply the Fond in at least four layers. Lightly polish the final layer with a damp cloth once the final layer has dried. After that, use a dry cloth to polish the surface until it achieves a shine.
Kolner Fond is a water-based, burnishable gesso primer designed for brush application. It is specifically formulated with gold, silver, and composition leaf. This product is available in seven colours and is ideal for creating water-gilded and burnished frames, interior architectural elements and furniture accents. It allows you to achieve a traditional look with less effort.
Kölner KGGG system component 3
Colnasol Gel Concentrate is a fast-preparing sizing adhesive that is available in concentrated tablet form. When dissolved in water, the gel tablets create a “gilder’s liquor” specifically designed for adhering gold, silver, and Dutch metal leaf to Kölner Burnishing Clay and Sprayfond. This product is an integral component of the Kölner System.
- Each tablet (10 grams) makes ½ liter of Colnasol gel. In addition to being used for water gilding, the gel solution can also serve as a mixing agent for Kolner Reliefkitt, either in whole or half concentration.
- Please store both the solution and the undissolved tablets in the refrigerator!
- You can also make your own gel using rabbit skin glue.
How to gild with Kölner KGGG System Fond
Ensure the surface is clean and free of dust or grease. Sand the surface with fine sandpaper to achieve a smooth finish.
For highly absorbent surfaces like gesso, plaster, or paper, use Component 1 Sealer 123a diluted with water in a 1:2 ratio (1 part sealer to 2 parts water). Allow it to dry for approximately 2 to 3 hours.
If your object has cracks, holes, or imperfections, you can use the Kölner Relief Kit to fill in those gaps and defects.
Component 2: The Fond Stir well before use, but do not shake, as shaking creates air bubbles. Tip: If the fond is dry, transfer it to a glass jar and place it in a pot with hot water (40-55 degrees Celsius). Gently stir the Fond; achieving a smooth and consistent texture may take 10-15 minutes.
Apply at least four layers to the surface, ensuring that your artwork’s fine reliefs and small details remain visible. Allow the base layer to dry for 1 to 3 hours before applying the next layer.
Sand the first layer of fond with about 180 grit sandpaper. You can use a Contour Sanding Sponge with 180 grit for the following layers to smooth the surface gently.
Once the final layer has completely dried, polish the surface using a Synthetic Steel Wool Polishing Pad that has been dampened with ethanol. After the ethanol evaporates, use a cloth to give the surface a glossy finish. At this point, the final layer should appear super smooth and shiny.
Component 3, Colnasol gel: Dissolve one tablet in warm water and stir well until fully dissolved. Allow the water to cool to room temperature before use. Remember: 1 Colnasol tablet creates 500ml of gilding water.
The exciting part is applying the gold leaf: For poliment gilding, the best gold leaf to use is the Noris 23.5k Gold Leaf Booklet Ducate Double Polish Gold for outdoor objects. Opt for the Noris 22k Gold Leaf Booklet Orange Gold for indoor objects.
Begin by brushing the surface with the glued water, ensuring the layer is even and well-covered. It’s essential to moisten only a small area at a time, as you should apply the gold leaf immediately onto that damp section.
Place the gold leaf on the Gilder’s cushion. Use the Gilder’s knife to cut the gold leaf, and then use the Gilder’s tip to pick it up. Carefully apply small pieces of gold leaf to the indentations and deeper areas first, followed by the higher areas.
To ensure that your surface is fully gilded, the gold leaf should be overlapped by about 3-5 mm. Any excess can be gently brushed away at the end using the Gilder’s tip or a soft wool brush.
Allow at least 3 hours for the gold layer to dry. Once dry, you can carefully brush the gilding with pure squirrel hair. It’s normal to see small areas without gold leaf. To fix these, apply the glued water to the spots and retouch with small pieces of gold leaf.
Burnishing Tool: You can start burnishing the gold leaf with Agate Stone Burnisher #17 after 3-4 hours of drying. However, it is recommended to wait 24 hours to ensure the final layer is completely dry.
Kolner Patina Aging: If you want to achieve an antique look for gilded work, Kölner Patina is a great option. This acrylic-based Patina is designed for indoor use and effectively simulates the ageing of gilded surfaces. It creates high contrast and vivid results, making it suitable for all gold and metal leaf types, regardless of the adhesive technique used.
Apply the Patina in the deeper areas of your project for the best effect. Additionally, Permacoll Patina can be applied directly over surfaces gilded with metal leaf to create an aged appearance. Importantly, any surface treated with Patina does not require further varnish to protect the metal leaf, as the binder in the Patina itself protects against oxidation.
How to apply Permacoll Patina
Synthetic fibre brushes are used to apply the patina evenly over the surface. Once you have finished applying, use a soft cloth to remove excess. If you want to enhance the ageing effects in certain areas, you can apply an additional coat. Be sure to discard any unused solution, and clean your brushes with warm, soapy water.
Kölner Fond
Kölner Fond is available in seven colours, which can also be mixed. The available colours are:
- White: Suitable for both gold and silver. White can also be used as a gesso.
- Ocher: A neutral color ideal for gilding and effective for concealing areas that did not receive gold leaf.
- Red and Dark Red: Imparts a warm glow to gold, making it especially suitable for old gilded mirrors and picture frames.
- Black: Best used for gilding with silver.
- Yellow: Enhances the brightness of gold, giving it a fresher appearance.
- Blue: Works well with silver and gold, creating a cooler effect.
Feel free to mix these colours for unique effects!