Carve or Cast Letters
3 daysPrepare raised letter forms in wood, MDF, or resin with crisp edges.
Field context
This workflow is part of 1 niche field
Learn water gilding oil gilding sign from scratch with a clear step-by-step workflow, recommended tools, safety guidelines, and expert tips.
Prepare raised letter forms in wood, MDF, or resin with crisp edges.
Brush slow-set oil size evenly and wait for proper tack window.
Apply patent leaf to tacky size and burnish with cotton over tissue.
Apply clear coat suitable for exterior if sign faces weather.
Industry best practices for oil gilding sign letter in gilding.
Leaf applied too early wrinkles; too late will not adhere.
Transfer leaf easier outdoors than loose leaf.
Excess pressure tears thin leaf.