The Richard is an innovative new tip from master gilder Richard Walker. The design of the tip allows for quickly and easily picking up whole sheets of loose gold leaf. The ease of use makes it perfect for new gilders while the way it cleanly and smoothly picks up gold leaf makes it ideal for experienced gilders looking to create perfect gilt finishes.
The main body of the tip is solid oak and has a pleasant weight in the hand and a sturdy feel to it. The crystal ball adds a nice bit of flair and is easy to grip and hold while working with the tool. The top of the The Richard, which is the surface that holds the leaf, is made from high-quality blue suede.
The Richard is designed for use with gold leaf and other lighter metal leaves that are 80 x 80mm in size, this includes gold, white gold, Caplain, Champagne, platinum and palladium.
The Richard comes supplied in a padded storage box along with a complimentary tin of petroleum jelly.
Instructions For Use
The Richard will need coating with petroleum jelly before use. To do this take a pinhead-sized piece of the petroleum jelly and smear it on the back of one hand. Then bounce the surface of The Richard onto the petroleum jelly. Once the surface of the Richard is charged try to pick up some gold leaf as outlined below. If it doesn't pick up then try charging the surface until it does.
Please be aware that the tip only needs a minimal amount of petroleum jelly to pick up leaf. If the application is too heavy then you will need to rub The Richard on your arm to remove any excess. The key, as with anything, is practice! If, during gilding, The Richard stops picking up then repeat the above step but only as necessary.
When the tip is ready place it over the leaf that you would like to pick up. This can be direct from a book or off a gilders cushion. Let go of The Richard and allow its natural weight to make good contact with the leaf. If necessary apply a light downwards pressure to make a better connection. Then tilt The Richard to one side slowly, checking that the leaf has attached while you do so. If not, lower The Richard back to the leaf and try again. The key is to be slow and precise and not to yank the tip straight up off the leaf. Doing so will cause the leaf to pull off. Once seated on the surface of the tip the leaf you can blow on the centre of the leaf to smooth it and ensure it is perfectly flat.
To transfer the leaf onto the prepared working surface then bring it down carefully onto the piece and allow the gold to make contact. If greater pressure is needed for full adhesion then let go of the tip and allow the weight of it to help press the leaf down. One satisfied that the leaf has been released carefully tilt the The Richard to one side, checking the leaf is correctly adhered. Then carefully pull the The Richard away and repeat.
If used correctly your new gilding tip should last you years, although to keep it in tip-top shape we recommend using an hog hair bristle brush or similar to sweep debris out of the suede. Not only will this keep your Richard going for longer it will stop the debris scratching the leaf as you're laying it.
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