MetallicFoils
Metallic Foils are an easy way to add sparkle and shine to your decorative finishing projects!
They consist of thin layers of non-reactive metallic sheets that are fused to a roll of cellophane.
The shiny foil is transferred to your surface using water or oil-based gold leaf size. Unlike real
metal leaf, however, Metallic Foil will not tarnish and comes in a wide variety of colors.
Surfaces
Metallic Foils can go over any flat, satin, or semi-gloss oil or latex-based paint. Depending on the
look and technique that you are going for, you may want to basecoat your surface in a color that is
similar to, or slightly darker than your Metallic Foil color. This will give you more depth of color
and a more uniform look in the event that you don’t do a 100% transfer of foil on the surface. For
an even more intense metallic look you can also start with a metallic paint basecoat. For an interesting contrast effect, you may want to use a complimentary accent color underneath the foil.
Whatever color or medium you use, it is very important that the base coat is
allowed to completely dry and cure before applying the size and Metallic Foil.
Sizing Options
Like real metal leaf, Metallic Foils are transferred to the surface using size. Size, which
is also known as gold leaf size, comes in two options: oil-based and water-based.
Water-Based Size
Wunda Size is the recommended water-based size to use with Metallic Foils. This
size has the advantage of soap and water cleanup, low odor, is non-yellowing, and has
a quick set-up time of 15-20 minutes. When applied in a single layer, it only remains
tacky enough for good foil transfer for just a few hours (dependant on environmental
conditions, humidity, etc. For the maximum amount of working time over a large
surface area, it is recommended that you apply two thin layers of size, allowing the
first layer to dry approx. 15-20 minutes before applying the second layer. Surfaces
that have received a double layer of size can remain workable for days or weeks,
depending on the environmental conditions.
If you are planning on applying adhesive-backed Modello patterns over the transferred foil surface, it is recommended that you apply a water-based sealer and allow that to dry before applying your Modello pattern so that none of the foil is removed with the Modello pattern.
Oil-Based Size
Rolco Slo Set oil-based size is recommended if you prefer to use oil. Advantages are that it will provide up to 6 hours of working time,
it lays out like glass, and dries to a hard, durable finish. The disadvantages are odor (use in ventilated areas only), it can turn to an amber
color over time, it takes 1 to 2 hours to set up, and it requires mineral spirits for cleanup. Oil-based size is recommended for furniture and
cabinetry projects as it will dry to a harder state than Wunda Size.
Both types of size can be applied by brush, roller or spray. If brushing, a good quality bristle brush will produce the best results. For rolling, a
short-nap roller sleeve (3/8”) or a Velour roller cover is recommended. When using the Wunda Size, we have experienced great results when
using a 6” “flocked” or “velour” roller which is a foam roller with a fabric coating designed for rolling out smooth topcoats.
Metallic Foil Transfer
The most important thing to remember is that you must have the SHINY SIDE UP when transferring the foils. Cut the foil to the desired
working length and lay on the surface. You can transfer the foil in a variety of ways depending the look and amount of coverage desired.
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Some Options
• Use a Modello Squeegee tool or flexible plastic trowel.
• Fold up a terry towel and rub firmly across your foil surface, avoiding pressing your fingertips into it.
• Use a small, stiff-bristle small nylon scrub brush. This can produce random, scratchy effects if you vary your
pressure and movements, but can also give you a clean transfer if you scrub repeatedly in small circles over
your surface.
• Use an Ultimate Stippler and lightly stipple over the foil surface for a nice soft dusting of color.
Important: When transferring smaller sheets of foil over a larger surface, it is important NOT to use your transfer
tool to the edges of the foil, so as to avoid transferring hard “lines” to your surface.
Heavy Transfer
The foils do not usually transfer 100% to your surface. You can usually expect a 70 % to 90% transfer. This will vary a certain amount if
you crumple up the foil and then un-crumple it before applying it to the surface. A tighter crumple will yield a different look than a loose
crumple will. You can also just apply the foil flat, which will transfer differently. Experiment with this because each look is different. If
you want 100% coverage, you may need to size and foil and then resize and foil again over the original foil. Another option is to base coat
your surface in a color very similar to the foil. This will aid in the appearance of a solid transfer.
Random Transfer
If you control and limit the amount of transfer of your foil color, you will be able to layer different colors of foil into the same area.
Remember-once the foil is transferred completely over an area of size, nothing else will stick there. If there are still exposed areas of size in
the background, you can continue transferring other colors. Begin with the color of Metallic Foil you wish to be most dominant and fill
in the spaces in between with contrasting colors for an interesting, multi-color effect.
Incorporating Metallic Foil Effects
Metallic Foils make a GREAT base for applying other decorative finishing mediums over. You can incorporate stains, plasters, textural
mediums, paint and glaze over Metallic Foils. All will bond to the foil and work beautifully!
Staining and Toning the Metallic Foil
Stain and Seal, a water-based gel stain, it a great way to both tone and seal your Metallic Foil finishes. The stain bites into the surface,
producing a better look and coloration than a regular glaze will. To extend the open time of the stain and add more translucencies, add up
to 50% So Slow Super Extender.
Sealing Metallic Foil
Metallic Foil finishes can be top coated with any type of oil or water-based topcoat. However, for the maximum shine and reflective qualities, we recommend top coating with one or two coats of Modern Masters Master Clear. This topcoat has been designed to go over a
metallic finish coat and has amazing clarity. It will also bring back the shine of the metallic foil after staining and toning with Stain and
Seal, which can tend to dull the metallic finish slightly.
Both Royal Design Studio and Modello Designs carry a full line of Metallic Foil colors including our Metal Finishes Collection, Metallic
Colors Collection, Rainbow Colors Collection, and Holographic Foils Collection.
Additionally, all products listed that are shown in a dark rust color are available for purchase through both companies: Wunda Size,
Rolco Slo Set Size, Velour Roller Covers, Ultimate Stippler Brush, Stain and Seal, and Modern Masters Master Clear
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©2008 Modello Designs. All Rights Reserved.
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Metallic Foils Color Chart
Metallic Colors Collection
Soft Gold
Bright Copper
Pewter
Coppery Gold
Antique Gold
Bright Silver
Bronze
Bright Gold
Metal Finishes Collection
Antique Leaf Gold
Antique Leaf Silver
Contessa Silver
Burnt Oak Gold
Dragura Gold
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Cashmere Gold
Maltese Gold
Contessa Bronze
Euro Gold
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Burnt Pine Gold
Stria Silver
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Rainbow Color Collection
Candy Apple Red
Plum Passion
Peacock Blue
Royal Blue
Orchid
Celadon
Hot Pink
Midnight Black
Caribbean Blue
Holographic Color Collection
Holo Gold LG Crackled Ice
Holo Red
Holo Confetti Silver
Holo Teal Blue
Holo Silver
Holo Gold
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©2008 Modello Designs. All Rights Reserved.
800.663.3860