What tools can I use to apply and burnish my foil?
Scrubbing (polyester or nylon) bristle brushes work best with foils. Examples of these types of brushes: Toothbrushes (soft or medium), household hand scrubbing brush, or manicure brush (soft and flexible). Make sure bristles are not too stiff so the painted finish isn’t damaged. Wire or Steel scrubbies are not recommended.
Why is my basecoat of paint lifting while foiling?
Typically, when the paint lifts from the surface while removing the foil layer or burnishing the foil, there is an issue with the actual basecoat of paint’s adhesion to the surface below the Leaf & Foil Size. If the paint doesn't fully stick to the surface, the pressure of rubbing and pulling during foil application can essentially peel off the paint. This most often occurs when the surface below the Size and the basecoat paint are glossy, lacquered, slick, or waxed. The best way to avoid the basecoat of paint lifting is to make sure the paint is fully hardened/cured to the surface before Leaf and Foil Size application or prime/sand any surface that may be a bit slick/glossy before applying the basecoat of paint.
I accidentally put the wrong side of foil down how can I fix it?
If you’re able to easily pull/peel up the foil from the surface: Lift the foil off the surface, re-exposing the Leaf and Foil Size layer. If you’re not able to easily pull/peel up the foil from the surface: Using a precision cutting tool like an Exacto knife or razor blade, find an edge of the foil and gently try to pry the foil from the Size. Rubbing Alcohol on a Q-tip may help soften the Size adhesive as a last resort.
Re-apply Size if needed and apply foil. Remember, foils should be applied shiny side (color) face up.
When pulling off the foil, some Size and paint may pull off due to the extra strength bonding of the Size medium. If sticky Size comes off or bubbles, patch the missing areas with more Size. If paint lifts, depending on the severity of the paint lift, some touch up paint maybe required. If areas are small: touch-up with paint and reapply Size. If paint needs to be removed and the entire surface repainted: To remove old Size and paint from the surface, use a chip brush dipped in rubbing alcohol to soften the Size adhesive. Next, sand off the Size and paint. Then repaint and reapply Size. Make sure the alcohol residue is completely evaporated and removed from the surface prior to repainting.
Does Artisan Enhancements™ Leaf and Foil Size need to be sealed?
Yes. Once Leaf and Foil Size has been applied to a surface it remains tacky indefinitely if not sealed. Seal metallic surfaces with Artisan Enhancements™ sealers Clear Topcoat or Clear Finish. For dusted foils we recommend a “Matte” sheen of our sealers. For glossy foils we recommend a “Gloss” sheen for our sealers. If using traditional metal leaf, do a sample piece to determine the desired sheen.
Note: Wax and Scumble glaze maybe used over foiled surfaces. To add an additional layer of wax or Scumble glaze, first seal the foiled surface with one thin coat of Clear Topcoat sealer. Allow the surface to cure a minimum of 72 hours before wax or Scumble application – for best results allow 1 week of Clear Topcoat cure time before wax or Scumble application. Follow wax manufacturer’s instructions for wax applications. Follow Scumble Tip Sheet for Scumble application.
How do I remove Artisan Enhancements™ Leaf and Foil Size from tools hands and brushes?
Use hand sanitizer to remove “tackiness” from hands and fingers. Use rubbing alcohol to remove sizing from tools and stencils. After cleaning with rubbing alcohol rinse with warm water to remove any remaining alcohol residue.