Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E

Joyce Bennett of Delta Technical Coatings shows the technique for applying gold foil to dress up a plain wooden frame. For added elegance she applies lace to the frame before putting on the gold foil, making the frame look carved.

Materials:

Delta's Renaissance Foil System® metallic foil kit
Delta Decorative Stiffener®
Wooden picture frame, old or new
Lace
Delta Acrylic Paint, red
Delta Antiquing Glaze, brown
Sponge brushes
Spray or brush-on sealer
Plastic bag
Paper towels

1. Cut a piece of lace the circumference of the picture frame. Place the lace in a plastic bag, and pour in Delta Decorative Stiffener to saturate the lace. The stiffener will glue the lace to the picture frame and is less likely to clump than ordinary glue. Place the saturated lace on the front of the picture frame all the way around. Let it dry (figure A).

2. Use a sponge brush to paint the frame with a base coat of red acrylic paint. Paint over the lace, being sure to cover all the small spaces. Let paint dry (figure B).

3. Apply a coat of Delta's Renaissance foil adhesive to the front of the frame, covering the lace as well. It goes on white and dries clear. This adhesive is specially designed to remain tacky so the foil will cling to it (figure C).

4. Apply the gold foil sheets, shiny side up, to the adhesive. Rub the gold foil with fingers or a paper towel. Peel away the sheets, leaving the gold on the frame (figure D).

5. Apply a coat of Delta's Renaissance Antiquing Glaze over the gold foil with a sponge brush, and immediately wipe it away with paper towel. This will slightly dull the gold and leave a pleasing antique finish (figure E).

6. Seal the frame with a spray or brush-on sealer.