Kölner KGGG System Burnishing Clay - Complete System for Quick & Bright Gilding

Kölner-Glanz-Gold-Grund (KGGG) Fond Burnishing Clays are made from the finest English clays and are used at room temperature. Unlike traditional gilders’ clays (bole), they are pre-mixed, and there is no need to add glue to apply them. This product has an acrylic binder mixed in very fine clay. Several layers can be applied in the same manner as gesso and traditional clays. Colors can be mixed with each other to create additional tints or hues.

Kölner Burnishing Clay must be used with Kölner Colnasize or Kölner Colnafix to adhere metal leaf to the Kölner Burnishing Clay.

For more information on how to use and apply Kölner KGGG Fond Burnishing Clay, please see How to Use Kölner Burnishing Clay and Colnasize.

The Kölner KGGG Fond System is a three-part gilding system consisting of a Sealer/Primer, Fond Burnishing Clay, and Adhesive. It replaces traditional labor-intensive gesso and bole water gilding, yielding a beautiful gilded surface that can be burnished to intensify the gold luster.

Kölner KGGG Fond Burnishing Clay is available in several colors, each of which changes the tone of the gold. Different colors can be combined to achieve custom colors. The KGGG System is not recommended for copper, imitation gold, or silver—consider using Permacoll HA instead.

Kölner KGGG Fond Burnishing Clay can be used over all oil- or water-based primers/sealers surfaces.

Kölner Colnafix is a water-based adhesive used in the KGGG three-part process. After sealing and applying Kölner KGGG Fond Burnishing Clay, Colnafix is brushed on before applying gold leaf.

Kölner Sealer P is the first step in the KGGG process before applying Kölner KGGG Fond Burnishing Clay and either Colnasol or Colnafix adhesive.

Kölner Sealer 123-A is a concentrated water-based sealer designed to prepare porous surfaces before applying Kölner KGGG Fond Burnishing Clay and Instaclay. Kölner KGGG Sealer 123-A also provides a protective coating over metal leaves, such as silver or composition leaf. You will need a Kölner KGGG Colnasol tablet and Kölner KGGG Fond Burnishing Clay to achieve successful results.

Directions

Surface Preparation

Gilded surfaces must be dry and free from dust and grease. It is best to sand the surface to make it as smooth as possible. Apply the sealer to create a smooth surface for the Kölner KGGG Fond Burnishing Clay.

Primer-Sealer Application

You may need to apply several coats of primer/sealer to fill in and seal larger cracks or crevices. Allow each coat to dry completely (about one hour) and lightly sand before applying the next layer. Sand the final last coat, but not to the point where it is glossy. Kölner KGGG Fond Burnishing Clay requires a slightly scuffed surface to adhere properly.

Any sealer can be used, but Kölner Sealer P is recommended as it is ready to be used straight out of the bottle.

We recommend using synthetic brushes to apply the sealer/primer.

Fond Application

After the primer-sealer is completely dry, apply Kölner KGGG Fond Burnishing Clay. Slowly and thoroughly mix Fond before use. Do not shake to avoid creating bubbles. Apply the Fond directly out of the bottle, using a brush to apply thin coats. A minimum of four coats is recommended to fill any cracks or flaws.

To achieve a smooth surface, after each coat of Fond is added, polish the surface with a damp cloth to remove any brushstrokes and create a mirror-like surface. When the final coat is completely dry, use a dry cloth to polish the surface to its final smooth, shiny luster. The smoother the surface, the brighter the final gold will look when burnished.

Adhesive Application

After the fond has dried, an adhesive must be added before gilding. Make sure the surface is dust-free before applying the adhesive.

Kölner Colnafix or Kölner Colnasol are the recommended adhesives. Colnafix can be used directly from the bottle after gentle stirring. Colnasol must be prepared in advance.

Applying the Leaf

Using a Size Brush, brush on a liberal amount of adhesive to a small area where the leaf will be placed. Using a gilder's tip, quickly pick up and lay the gold leaf on the area with adhesive. Apply adhesive to the next area, followed by another gold leaf. Continue until the entire surface is covered. Transfer or patent leaf is not recommended as it may not adequately loosen from the transfer paper or adhere to the gilded surface.

Tip: It helps to have the item at an angle of 30-60 degrees to allow excess adhesive to drain off.

Allow the gold leaf to completely dry for about 24 hours before burnished using an agate burnisher.

Cleanup

Clean brushes and tools with warm water and soap. Discard any unused solutions; do not return them to the container.

Storage

Kölner KGGG Fond Burnishing Clay: Keep the container tightly closed and avoid freezing temperatures or excessive heat. Fond has a shelf life of up to 2 years.

Colnasol: Keep the container tightly closed and avoid freezing temperatures or excessive heat. Keep refrigerated to extend its shelf life, which is about 2–3 months before being mixed with water and about six weeks after it has been mixed with water.

Colnafix: Keep the container tightly closed and avoid freezing temperatures or excessive heat. Keep refrigerated to extend its shelf life, which is about one year.

Sealer P: Keep the container tightly closed and avoid freezing temperatures or excessive heat. It has a shelf life of up to 2 years.

Safety and Health

KGGG components are not considered to be toxic. However, they may cause skin or eye irritation and should be kept away from food and drink. Keep out of reach of children.

Disclaimer

The conditions, handling methods, and use of this product are beyond our control. 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.