When we think of metal leaf, we often associate it with gilding techniques applied to substrates, such as hiraoshi (flat application) or sunago (sprinkling application).
However, there are other ways to use metal leaf beyond simply adhering it to a surface.
For example, there are kinkeshi (gold powder) and ginkeshi (silver powder) which are types of metallic pigments.
By carefully kneading these powders and mixing them with a binder such as nikawa (animal glue), they transform into smooth paints known as kindei (gold paint) and gindei (silver paint).
PIGMENT TOKYO"Metal Leaf"
Even without using the kinkeshi (gold powder), you can create drawings that highlight the brilliance of metal leaves by kneading kirimawashi (small flakes or leftovers from metal leaf production) with animal glue.
Of course, it is also possible to produce kindei (gold powder) and gindei (silver powder) from a sheet of metal leaf. This technique allows you to create paint using metal leaf that is not available in powdered form. When you only need a small amount of paint, utilising the leftover sheets of the metal leaf can be a more effective choice than purchasing pre-powdered kinkeshi.
For this technique, we recommend using re-soluble animal glue, as the key step involves kneading the metal with the binder on a ceramic plate. Animal glue allows the paint to be reactivated with heat even after it has dried.
While you may consider other binders, it's important to note that acrylic mediums are not suitable for this process, as they create a solid film when dry and not reactivatable.
Similarly, gum arabic, commonly found in transparent watercolors, can be re-liquefied with water. However, it has weaker adhesive properties compared to animal glue, making it an unsuitable choice for this technique.
Now, let's take a look at the materials needed for this technique.
We will begin by making paint using “Shinkouhaku (colored silver leaf),” a type of metal leaf that is not available in powdered form.
This series of metal leaves is made by coating silver leaf with synthetic resin and dye or pigment.
The coating is applied to both front and back sides, effectively preventing the typical tarnishing associated with silver. However, due to the nature of the material, some color fading may occur when exposed to light over time.
【Materials List】
・Metal Leaf （The one shown in the photo is colored silver leaf called Shinkohaku.）
・OX Glue Liquid 20％ Concentrated（Pig Glue can also be used as a substitute）
・Brush Cleaning Rectangular Pot
・ Electric stove
（※As this is for heating the metal leaf, replacing it with alternative equipment is not recommended.）
・Menso-fude (Detail Round Brushes)
You may substitute the animal glue with the one you are familiar with.
However, please keep in mind that the right percentage and amount of water will differ based on the specific type of glue, so be prepared to make the necessary adjustments for optimal results.
The following steps explain how to knead metal leaf with animal glue:
① Place the Metal Leaf on a Ceramic Plate.
It is important to choose the right metal leaf based on the environment where the work will be displayed or used. For instance, the silver leaf is prone to tarnishing when exposed to sulfur, while colored silver leaf may not withstand prolonged exposure to light.
②&③ Prepare the Animal Glue
On a separate plate, pour in the 20% concentrated animal glue and add water. As a guideline, the consistency should be similar to what is used when mixing animal glue with mineral pigments.
Be sure to use a separate plate from the one used for the metal leaf to ensure the animal glue is blended evenly.
④ Mix and Knead
Add the prepared animal glue solution to the plate containing the metal leaf. Then, use the pad of your middle finger to knead them together.
⑤ Add Water
If necessary, gradually add a small amount of water. Refer to the pictures below as a guide and be careful not to make the mixture too watery.
⑥ Knead More
Continue kneading the mixture until the animal glue and metal leaf are well-dispersed and have blended into a smooth paste.
⑦ Preparation Before Painting
Animal glue solidifies into a gel when chilled and melts into liquid when warmed.
This characteristic remains even when the animal glue is mixed with pigments, so you may need to gently reheat the mixture before use.
In warmer conditions like summer, heating equipment may not be necessary, but in most cases, it is advisable to use an electric stove to fully liquefy the paint before application.
⑧ Heat the Paint
Use an electric stove to gently heat and dry the paste-like mixture of metal leaf and animal glue to increase its bonding strength.
After heating, if necessary, add more animal glue and water. Then, knead it again using the pad of your middle finger.
Next, lightly wet a menso (fine detail) brush to pick up some paint and test the color.
If the paint feels dry or doesn't flow as smoothly as you desire, adjust the consistency by adding a small amount of water until you reach the perfect texture.
⑨ Final Step
Here is an example of the paint applied to bamboo washi paper (for watercolor).
Although it may be difficult to see in the photo, the texture of this paint is quite different from effect pigments, providing a more sophisticated appearance. It would be particularly exceptional for enhancing signatures or calligraphy.
However, compared to pigments that artificially replicate gold or silver, this paint comes at a higher cost, which makes it less ideal for covering large areas.
Of course, gold and silver leaf can also be transformed into paint using the same method.
However, silver leaf tends to clump more easily than other types of metal leaf, making it more challenging to knead.
In some cases, it is recommended to first break the metal leaf into finer pieces using a Sunagozutsu Kindei (a tube sealed with an extra fine mesh designed for sprinkling metal powder), before kneading it with animal glue.
In the following photos, Pure Gold Leaf Shogomo is being kneaded. It can produce a smooth, high-quality gold paint.
For only pure gold leaf, repeating steps ④ through ⑧ will enhance the brilliance even further.
The following photos show when the paint is applied to Bamboo Washi Paper (watercolor use.)
This method produces a captivating material texture and brilliance that other gold-imitation pigments cannot replicate.
Here is a comparison drawn by Colored Silver Leaf, Pure Gold Leaf and Pure Silver Leaf.
They all produce a beautiful metallic sheen that is unique to each metal leaf, which makes you want to tilt the paper and enjoy the results from different angles.
By following the same method, you can create paint not only from colored silver leaves but also from black leaf and copper leaf.
It might be a good idea to experiment with different types of metal leaves or even reuse leftover metal leaves from your previous gilding projects. Moreover, you may also consider mixing gold and silver for a more unique effect.
There are many creative ways to use these materials and we invite you to give all of them a try!
Translated by Atsumi Okano, Nelson Hor Ee Herng
PIGMENT TOKYO Art Materials Experts
Art Materials Expert at PIGMENT TOKYO
Akira Oya
Born in 1989 in Tokyo. Master of Fine Art and Design at Nihon University College of Art.
He also continues his career as a visual artist.
Born in 1989 in Tokyo. Master of Fine Art and Design at Nihon University College of Art.
He also continues his career as a visual artist.