silver leaf in place of bare metal foil?

[foxbat426]

Was over at the local big box crafts store awhile ago and asked for bare metal foil - They never heard of it. Instead they showed me silver leaf. This stuff looks like it might be a substitute for BMF, it even has the adhesive on the back. Has anyone tried this in place of bare metal foil? Looks promising - I'm guessing it might tarnish over time.

[Longbox55]

I've tried it. It works ok, but it has it's own set of hassles in applying it. Most of the leaf kits I've seen require the cement to applied to whatever is being leafed, so you do have to be carefull on how you apply it. On top of that, the cement is usually very transparent, to the point of almost being clear, can make it difficult to see where you've applied it. Once the cement is dry, you would apply the leaf. Some kits use actual leaves of metal, some are a powdered metal on a film backer, ether way, they work the same. It does have to burnished on the cement, just like BMF. Unlike BMF, as long as you get the cement exactly where you want it, the leaf only sticks at that point, meaning less cleanup and waste material. I have noticed when doing larger parts, like sde trim and window trim, the leaf material can get a roung or wrinkly appearance. I beleive that's partially from the cement, which is tricky to lay down smooth, but also the leaf material itself. I have has success using it for things like door locks and small trim, though. It does leave a very bright finish, almost too bright. I don't belive tarnishing will be an issue, as most of the kits are not real silver or gold to keep the cost down.

[Cato]

Bill has it right. I've tried it and it's touchy to work with and won't burnish down like BMF-especially on larger flat areas. Always has that 'leafy' wrinkle to it except on very small things like door locks. The adhesive is called 'sizing' and sign painters used it for silver and gold leafing.

Just really tough to work with and very fragile.

[Harry P.]

Sounds to me like BMF would be the logical choice over this stuff.

[sobpinstriping]

I do pinstriping and I use gold and silver leaf for that, but it is really tough to use on a model, you have to lay the size (glue) let it tack up for a certain time, not to long but not too soon, bmf is just much much easier

[SuperStockAndy]

Sounds to me like BMF would be the logical choice over this stuff.

IMO, nothing beats BMF.

[Guest Gramps-xrds]

I've been using gold lief sizing for several yrs with cheap aluminum foil and I think it works great and it's a lot cheaper than BMF. I can't tell the difference between the cars I used BMF on and the ones I used foil on. The only down side ta using sizing ( well it's not really a down side) is ya have to wait about an hr or so for it to set up. I can make however much of it I want at the time. I tape some foil to a clean shiny page of a magazine and brush on the sizing. It will level itself out to a smooth layer. Once it tacks up you just cut a strip and apply it like BMF. Any adhesive that sticks to the model will clean off with some lamp oil and a cloth. Lamp oil will not hurt any paint finish. Lamp oil will also make it easier ta cut the foil if you brush some over the foil before you start cutting.

[Guest Gramps-xrds]

[Jeff Johnston]

Wow Gramps...you are right you can't tell its not BMF. Also I imagine the foil is stiffer which would be great on straight lines like the trim on the side of that car.

I love it...ya learn something new every day here.

JJ

Edited November 12, 2011 by Jeff Johnston

[Aaronw]

I've used aluminum foil and gold leaf adhesive like Bill shows, except I painted the adhesive directly onto the areas foiled instead of putting it on the foil. It is far cheaper (a bottle of adhesive is about $3, a roll of foil $0.99). You want to use cheap foil, not a name brand, because the cheap stuff is much thinner. If you were going to do a large surface like an aircraft fuselage or an entire car body (Delorean maybe?) the savings vs BMF would be pretty substantial.

I do prefer BMF for intricate detail like logos, door handles and such as it is easier to work with, but the aluminum foil works well.

You can use the dull side for more of a natural aluminium metal finish, or the shiny side for a polished aluminium or chrome appearance.

I've never tried it, but I have heard you can weather it with mild acids like diluted lemon juice or vinegar to give it an oxidized aluminium look.

Edited November 12, 2011 by Aaronw

[Dr. Cranky]

You make it look easy and the results are excellent. I've been wanting to do something with the varigated gold leaf with a paint job . . .

[Guest Gramps-xrds]

You make it look easy and the results are excellent. I've been wanting to do something with the varigated gold leaf with a paint job . . .

Virge if you use the variegated gold, you'll have to apply the adhesive to the model and stick the foil to it. The foil is far to thin to put the adhesive on it.