Home Forums Explore Media Pen and Ink Calligraphy Gold Leaf Burnishers: Agate and spoons?

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  • #990048
    mikaselm
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        OK, So I’ve loved calligraphy for ages, but have just recently started playing with gold leaf, and couldn’t be more impressed! Sources that I’ve read about though always mention an agate burnisher for polishing the gold afterward. I’m not actually using gold, due to cost, but I’m using “metal leaf” from Hobby Lobby. I don’t have a burnisher, and my goodness they’re pricey!! My question is, with metal leaf and with real gold leaf, how much of a difference does the burnisher make? I mean, the difference between gold paint and gold leaf is just WORLDS apart, and if a burnisher is going to make that kind of difference, I’ll fork over toe 40 dollars, but if it doesn’t do that much, maybe it’s not worth it. Also, what’s the difference between the agate on the end of the burnisher, and a polished agate stone that doesn’t come on a handle? Would a polished stone work just as well? We have a little “local nature” themed shop that has polished agate stones for a couple of cents.
        The book I bought on illuminated lettering suggests the back of a teaspoon, but that just seems to tear up the gold… Any thoughts?

        Any experiences are helpful!! Thanks!

        Mika

        #1170020
        dgford
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            Agate — or haematite(sp?) — is the real thing ! But its polished surface must be unblemished to get that superb shine. I have a couple of original manuscript pieces written on vellum in about 1475 with burnished gold in the illuminated letters (“illumination” refers to the use of polished metal only, which illuminates the leaf as it catches the light when it is turned over. and not to the drawn or painted decoration) and the burnishing was so good that it scintillates still today! The illuminator may have used polished agate or even a dog’s tooth!
            If your local stones’ shop has a really well polished agate which is of a shape that can be easily handled and manipulated arounds fine shapes then why not try it — if it’s “only a couple of cents” you can’t lose ! If you use it, don’t let your fingers touch it — the oil of your skin is fatal for burnishing. Stick a dowel handle on to it. Polish the stone with silk just before using it , if possible.
            A spoon is just no good — as you have already discovered.
            If you decide that you will be using gold a lot of times, the real agate burnisher (choose the “dog’s tooth” shape) is the only way to go.
            Good luck.
            Geoff

            Success is a Journey
            #1170024
            mikaselm
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                Well, you’ve convinced me, and My work just gave me a little bonus prize for winning an office contest, so I guess I’ll be adding a burnisher to the tools drawer :) (although I’m still going to give the little rocks a try), Thank you!

                #1170021
                dgford
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                    Congratulations on your win. Such recognitions are great boosts, aren’t they? :clap:
                    Here are my burnishers :


                    The top one is of haematite — like a flat-surfaced horse-shoe, very good for really large areas of gilding.
                    The second is a “dog’s tooth” shaped agate burnisher. It has a finer point and is used for more intricate and detailed work.
                    The third is the same type but for more general use — my mainstay ! Used on its side it can burnish larger flat areas, on its “heel” is useful for rounded surfaces, and its point good for getting into corners and edges. The recommended “first purchase”. :thumbsup:
                    The final one is an antique with a retractable agate point and I use it more for embossing paper, etc.

                    I hope this may help you in your shopping :thumbsup:

                    Success is a Journey
                    #1170023
                    kacal
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                        The info helped me! Thanks for sharing!!

                        #1170022
                        dgford
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                            Hi mikaselm,
                            How it the burnishing going? Btw, a dedicated soft watercolour brush may be used instead of silk for firming the leaf on to the gesso.
                            Kacal, good to hear from you. How did it help you?
                            Gepff

                            Success is a Journey
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