[Tutorial Video] Applying Gold Paints on Diverse Base Materials

Is golden expression challenging?

Do you know how the imitation golden paints at the DIY stores are developed? 

Most of them are aluminum or pearl powder colored with yellow. 
They are vivid in color, affordable, can be mass-produced, handy, and resistant to weather. 

We call those items "alternative colors (for real gold)."

Although the "alternative colors" are handy and affordable, the deep luster of real gold leaves could never be achieved. 

They are okay for big signs or objects to attract attention, but they have hardly starred in the field of traditional crafts where they would be closely compared with the real gold leaves. 

Declining Use of Real Gold in Crafts

Handling real gold leaves and powder requires much techniques and skills that need to be closely passed down by senior craftsmen, and the daily trainings to keep up with the skills. On top of that, they are expensive, while more affordable alternative items have been continuously developed in the field of religious crafts. In this context, materials with real gold have become increasingly less popular in the market this passed 30 years. 

Imitation Gold Developed in pursuit of the Color of Real Gold 

Yet, we know the devoted craftsmen still look for the authentic luster of gold even in the alternative golden paints. So imitation gold powders (made of powder of brass or sulfured silver) have been sold well. 

Through working with the atelier of religious crafts and listening to the craftsmen, Shizendo has come to develop Imitation Gold Paints in pursuit of the color and luster of real gold.

They are much easier to handle compared to the real gold leaves and powder that requires decades of training and experiences. 

As long as you understand some unique natures of the items and the tips to use, the golden expression can be realized with just one brush. 

＜Items/Tools used＞

• Imitation 24K Gold Color Paint
• Brush made with Nylon

＜Base materials＞

Stones/Metals/Glass/Plastics/Paper/Canvas/Wood