Silver Shell

Shell silver, so named as it used to be made and stored within shallow seashells such as clamshells, is genuine silver powder finely ground to a pigment and bound with gum Arabic to form a solid watercolour block. Shell silver is used just like watercolour pans, by first wetting the block with water to release the paint and then applying it with a soft-hair brush. When painting with shell silver you can add a drop of Ox Gall to break the surface tension to improve the flow of the paint.

When dry it gives a finely grained matte finish that can be brightened up by burnishing the dry paint with an agate- or metal-headed burnishing tool in order to produce a vibrant shine.

Silver is prone to tarnishing is most decorative applications and some care must be taken in its application to ensure the best possible finish. We recommend the use of acrylic size and lacquer, where possible, when working with silver. In particular, for interior gilding, we recommend Kölner Leaf Protect to seal the leaf to prevent tarnishing, followed by another coat of more hardwearing varnish or lacquer if more protection is needed. Alternatively, we recommend Robersons Crystal Clear Shellac Varnish.

Size: This shell gold is supplied as a ¼ pan measure.