Tracy, you might find my method effective for backing translucent
cabs. Because I have a gilding background, it was natural for me to
paint a very thin coat of 1 or 2 - hour gold size on the flat back
of the cab. This size is a clear, colourless varnish used in applying
metal leaf to glass or polished gesso, and is easily obtained from
gilding suppliers. After the stated amount of time on the bottle (I
tend to use the 1 or 2 hour version - the longer versions, for
example 24 hour gold size, give a slightly better finish) you will
find that the varnish on the back of the cab is virtually dry with
just a slight ‘tack’. This is the time to apply metal leaf, for
example silver, aluminium or gold, to the back of the cab. I choose
silver under moonstone, and gold under some garnets. Just press the
leaf on gently with a pad of cotton wool. If you leave it for another
24 hours you can gently burnish the leaf, but often the effect is not
very noticeable.
Finally, if you used silver leaf, you MUST apply a coat of
tarnish-resistant varnish or paint (e.g. Lascaux) to the exposed
back of the leaf. You will however find that in most instances
aluminium leaf is just as good, and doesn’t usually require sealing
against tarnish; although my natural instinct would be to seal it
anyway in case the cab is later subjected to chemical cleaning
treatments.I have experimented with various metal foils and prism
tape, but generally found them disappointing. Also, I would worry
about their wear characteristics, especially with regard to fading of
foil colours.
Paul Jelley
London
