Mixtion Oil Size

Traditional, clear, oil-based size made in France. LeFranc & Bourgeois has earned the reputation of being the best oil size available and experienced gilders request LeFranc for their most important projects. LeFranc size has superior levling properties and most predictable characteristics.

The open time for gilding with metal leaf may be less, since metal leaf is heavier. Allow the gilded surface to cure one week before sealing or glazing. Always stir LeFranc size before use. The driers in LeFranc size settle to the bottom of the container and must be stirred to produce a blended product.

The 3-hour size is ready to gild sooner than the 12-hour size, while thwe 12-hour size has a longer open time. Oil sizes are ready to gild when your knuckle taps the surface without disturbing the size or coming away with residue. Oil sizes may be thinned up to 10 percent with mineral spirits. If thinned, the drying time may be reduced. A soft hair brush will produce a smooth even surface. Brushes are best cleaned with mineral spirits.

Porous surfaces should be sealed to create as smooth surface for gilding. Shellac is recommended for sealing gilded surfaces on interior work.