Hi all I'm somewhat new here I more read than post, but I have a question finally I'm a volunteer fireman in NJ and I've taken on the task of making our older look new again my big question is are there any special conciderations I need to know about when correcting paint when there is gold leaf involved
Paint correction with gold leaf
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Mike Phillips
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- Dec 5, 2022
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Since this is your first post...
Welcome to Autogeek Online! :welcome:
When you say gold leaf, do you mean "real" gold leafing? Or is this gold paint that looks like gold leafing?
From Wisegeek
When you run your clean finger over the gold leaf can you feel that it's on top of the clear layer of paint?
If so, then avoid buffing on top of it by machine and only come close to it by hand.
This will mean it will take you a lot longer to clay, polish and wax the paint then if you didn't have to be careful.
I've never seen gold leaf under the clear coat so chances are really good if it is real gold leaf that it is on the surface and easily damaged if you rub on it too hard especially with anything abrasive.
Can you post a picture?
Or e-mail me a picture and I'll post it for you...
[email protected]
We're you going to detail these rigs by hand or machine?
Mike Phillips
Active member
- Dec 5, 2022
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How old are we talking? Lots of Fire Departments, or employees of Fire Departments will often times have classic and antique Fire Trucks that are used in Parades etc.
How old are we talking about?
We would love to see some before pictures and then after you've finished... the after pictures...
If we're talking huge fire trucks, even if you are working by machine you're going to need arms of steel...
:xyxthumbs:
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the engine is a 1997 and as for size its not too big but i was thinking about how tire my arms will be afterwards so on that note what would be the best product for this application ie. ease of use i was thinking the Optimum hyper polishing system
Mike Phillips
Active member
- Dec 5, 2022
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Hey thanks for getting back to us...
From your first question... I've bolded the key word...
To you new reply...
And then what I posted from another site... see the bolded part...
From Wisegeek
A good approach by hand might be to use a one-step cleaner/wax and just get close to the gold leaf, don't actually apply any cleaner/wax onto it.
A one-step cleaner/wax will clean the paint a little and restore clarity while leaving protection behind.
From your first question... I've bolded the key word...
To you new reply...
And then what I posted from another site... see the bolded part...
From Wisegeek
A good approach by hand might be to use a one-step cleaner/wax and just get close to the gold leaf, don't actually apply any cleaner/wax onto it.
A one-step cleaner/wax will clean the paint a little and restore clarity while leaving protection behind.
Dan Metzler
New member
- Oct 11, 2010
- 217
- 0
:iagree:
Yes even real hand gilded gold leaf will have clear over top. There is no way real gold leaf can stand up to anything let alone the beating fire apparatus get. I work for a Pierce dealer and we have an "old school gilder" contracted to do any gold leaf work and have watched and talked to him about the process numerous times.
Mike Phillips
Active member
- Dec 5, 2022
- 51,004
- 7
The OP hasn't stated whether or not the gold leaf has a layer of clear paint over the top of it but if that is the case that's good news for him and then he can treat those areas like the rest of the clear coated vehicle.
Sure would like to see a picture...
:xyxthumbs:
Mike Phillips
Active member
- Dec 5, 2022
- 51,004
- 7
