12 karat leaf and oil size

cleta · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 3239 Location: Chapel Hill, NC

I should know this - obviously, I don't....i usually work with 22 and 23 kt. leaf, but am starting a project with 12 karat french pale. I plan to use the 3 hr oil size and am concerned about it tarnishing the leaf since I know it will tarnish silver. But I also think that the amount of gold in the leaf will keep that from happening?

Anyone know about this for sure - Tania? Marlow? Lynne?

Marlow · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 490 Location: CT.

You have to use oil size. It wont tarnish it, but it is about 50% silver so it needs sealed fast. OOps...too late! Once leaf goes below 22ct tarnish can happen. More like patina at the higher end but 12 ct. certainly has a good shot of "tarnishability"...

lynne · Joined: 27 Jan 2007 Posts: 4972 Location: san francisco

i use 12k quite often even with quick dry oil size. if you can get a sealer on it within 24 hours you are usually okay.

really inspect each leaf as you take it out of the book. i notice if the leaf has been sitting around a while, that top one or two leaves might be starting to tarnish and can be "warmed" in color, which will be really noticeable if you are leafing a larger area. a lot depends on how much the leaf is handled and how long it's been exposed.

cleta · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 3239 Location: Chapel Hill, NC

cool! I knew you guys would know, and it makes sense. I can handle a bit of tarnish "patina". Good info to check the leaves closely. thanks!!