Gold cove lines revisited, gold paint supplier found in Bridgend!

[Rikds]

A shout out to this amazing small business, very helpful and knowledgeable.
Gold Leaf Supplies - Supplier of Gold Leaf, Edible Gold Leaf and Gilding Supplies
They not only supply gold leaf but a superb range of acrylic gold paint (and all sign writing and gilding materials).
I have just bought a pot of this and it looks superb:
Liquid Metal Acrylics - Classic Gold - Gold Leaf Supplies

 

[Neeves]

Most 'gold' paint historically, last 50/100 years or so, has been brass (but sold as Bronze). The tops of the steel railings at Buckingham Place, for example. More recently gold paint has been made from aluminium vacuum deposited onto a coated plastic film. The coating is a release agent and the aluminium is 'floated' off and made into paint - the colour being determined by the colour of the varnish in the paint system, yellow varnish gives a gold colour. The same pigments are used in car paint - the metallic finish. There are other pigments giving a pearlescent effect. These pigments are used in a flake form (the flakes are a few microns thick), gives the best coverage for your money.

The historic route for gold paint was, as suggested, pure gold leaf.

The problem with Brass and Bronze is that though the varnish offers some protection - it tarnishes. This is used to effect with Copper Coat - where the copper, not a flake, in the resin system corrodes to the typical green. 'Real' gold does not tarnish.

Another route to a gold paint was based on milled aluminium powders - but the powders are explosive under specific conditions (and plants have blown up - with some deaths - its not popular).

Real gold flake is simply too expensive to use in most paint applications, even at Buckingham Palace.

Pearlescents are found in resin systems for MoBos - but are very difficult to match if you need to touch up. Metallic paint or ink systems are popular for Xmas decorations and printing for cigarette and beer labels.

Jonathan

 

[Rikds]

I've been assured that it is tough, hard and will not tarnish. Will see how it fares this season!

 

[Neeves]

An aluminium based, the vacuum deposition process, will give a brighter metallic finish and will not corrode. The varnish system will produce the gold, or yellow colour. I don't know how the varnish system will age - most surface coatings deteriorate with time (even gel coat). The vacuum deposition process for aluminium pigment is quite new first available about 25 years ago but has been a game changer - think of the number of cars that are NOT a metallic (or pearlescent) paint today.

Bronze/Brass based paints when freshly applied look 'expensive' but tarnish quickly (look at the Palace gates). If you have unlimited funds this is not a problem - simply re-paint. Modern aluminium based paints can be a bit 'in your face' initially - a bit brash - nouveau riche rather than 'old money'.

You don't mention the application but if you have a well maintained traditional yacht then a, modern, gold paint would be the icing on the cake for the name and any decorative carvings (but don't go OTT - quiet unassuming, to me, is more tasteful).

Interesting - gold paint is an uncommon topic here (though maybe there are some gold gel coated MoBos)

Jonathan

 

[Rikds]

Cove line

 

[Concerto]

If someone wants a cove line on a boat, the normal method now is a vinyl strip. Available in any colour and different shades of gold.

When you paint your gold line I hope you use a top quality masking tape to obtain a crisp edge and you have a steady hand whilst applying both tapes to keep them parallel, otherwise you will have a wavy cove line. Best of luck.

 

[Neeves]

Sorry, should have recalled the thread title.

Nice, understated

A vinyl strip will use the same pigments but may only be suitable on a flat surface

Jonathan

 

[Concerto]

Sorry, should have recalled the thread title.

Nice, understated

A vinyl strip will use the same pigments but may only be suitable on a flat surface

Jonathan

Funny how many boat builders use vinyl in recessed rounded moulded in cove lines. Vinyl strip is the same material as used in vinyl signs, and they fit curves surfaces and can be stretched if required. Vinyl wrapping hulls is common on many charter boats as it protects the gel coat from minor scuffs and once removed leaves a brilliant finish. Also some cars are vinyl covered to obtain a different finish and they are certainly not flat surfaces.

 

[Rikds]

This is a moulded recess (S&S 34), thus well protected from scuffs and easy to mask. Boatyard doing the painting so hopeful of a good job!