Explore the Benefits of Kölner Miniatum Gilding Size for Flexible Surfaces

Kölner Miniatum is a unique gilding size ideal for gilding on paper, degreased vellum, and leather, for illuminated manuscripts, and gilding on flexible substrates such as paper, metal foil, or plastic. Kölner Miniatum is easy to apply. Apply it to the substrate, allow it to dry, and gild it with transfer gold leaf within the next 24 hours. Miniatum gives you a very bright gilding surface that is almost equal to polishing with an agate burnisher.

Kölner Miniatum Features

Kölner Miniatum is a gilding size based on a water-based acrylic dispersion size. It can achieve high-gloss gold and silver gilding, especially on paper and other flexible and rigid substrates.

Kölner Miniatum should be applied at room temperatures between 15 and 25 °C (60–75 °F). Additional dilution with water is possible, but do not exceed approximately 5% dilution.

Kölner Miniatum Uses

Kölner Miniatum is the ideal size for gilding illuminated manuscripts. Its elastic nature assures a long-lasting gilded surface. The flexing and rolling of illuminated pages will not cause the leaf to delaminate.

Only high-quality, acid-free, heavy-weight papers should be used as the substrate for Kölner Miniatum. Smooth-surface papers are better for a high gloss sheen and a glass-like finish. The textured surface of some papers will be visible after the gilding, which may be desired. If a smooth gilding surface is desired on textured paper, apply four coats of Miniatum diluted with 15% to 20% water. Smooth the paper surface with alcohol before applying Miniatum.

Kölner Miniatum can be applied directly to a smooth, dry, minimally absorbent substrate with a fine brush or a drawing pen. All porous surfaces should be tested for compatibility. For example, coated papers may require sealing with a lacquer to prevent buckling.
 Kölner Miniatum will provide the best results when the size forms a slightly elevated bead on the surface. The size must be thoroughly dry before applying the leaf and will remain ready for gilding for up to 20 hours. Due to the long open time, overnight drying is advisable to ensure the highest luster. The minimal drying time is 3 to 5 hours, depending on the thickness of the layer, temperature, and humidity. Imitation leaf may have a shorter drying time.

Kölner Miniatum Instructions

How to Apply Miniatum

Apply patent or transfer leaf or roll leaf by laying the leaf on the surface and rubbing the paper backing with a Kolner Tissue or a cotton ball. After finishing gilding, lay a piece of the transfer paper over the gilded area and lightly press with a cotton ball to ensure uniform adhesion. Then, burnish lightly in one direction with a Kolner Tissue. If using loose gold leaf, lay the leaf on the applied Minimatum size and then place a tissue paper from the book over the leaf. Gently rub the tissue with a cotton ball to press the gold onto the size.

The ideal application temperature is between 15 and 25 °C (60–75 °F). You can apply it with a brush or a drawing pen. You can thin the size by adding up to 5% water.

Sealing

Old coatings of Miniatum can be reactivated for gilding by applying a thin coat of Instacoll Activator. To prevent oxidation of composition gold leaf and silver, apply a thin coat of acrylic lacquer, preferably water-based. However, low-karat-value gold, silver, copper, and imitation leaf are not recommended since they must be sealed against oxidation, and the sealer will not have the same flexible properties as Miniatum.

Cleaning

Clean brushes, pens, etc., with soap and water as long as the size has not yet formed a film. Intermediate cleaning with water may also be necessary during longer working times, especially at higher ambient temperatures. Once it dries and forms a film, you can clean it with acetone or alcohol.

Always test all materials and procedures before working on the final object!

Storage Recommendations

The shelf life is at least one year after production. Store in a location without exposure to freezing, heat, and sunlight.

Heath and Safety

Kölner Miniatum is not hazardous but can cause skin or eye irritation. Protective clothing is recommended, and it should be kept away from food and drink. Kölner Miniatum contains small amounts of butyl carbitol. Adequate ventilation in the workplace must be ensured. Make sure sufficient ventilation is available while working with this product. KEEP PRODUCT OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN!

Disclaimer

The conditions, methods of handling, and use of Kölner Miniatum are beyond our control and may be beyond our knowledge. For this reason, we do not assume responsibility and expressly disclaim liability for loss, damage, or expenses arising out of or in any way connected to the handling, storage, use, or disposal of this product.