In gilding, what is the purpose of the size (mordant)?

Get ready for the CCQ Painter Trade Qualification. Study with multiple choice questions, flashcards, and gain insights on what to expect on the test, with hints and explanations for each question.

Multiple Choice

In gilding, what is the purpose of the size (mordant)?

Explanation:
The size is the glue-like layer that makes the leaf stick to the surface. It’s applied to the underlying surface and allowed to dry to a tacky state. When the gold leaf is laid on, it adheres to that tacky film and becomes fixed in place. This bond is essential because the leaf is extremely thin and delicate and needs a ready, sticky surface to attach securely. The size isn’t a sealant, a finish coat, or a color; its job is to provide the adhesive connection between the surface and the leaf. Depending on the technique, the size can be oil- or water-based, which affects how long it stays tacky and how strong the bond is.

The size is the glue-like layer that makes the leaf stick to the surface. It’s applied to the underlying surface and allowed to dry to a tacky state. When the gold leaf is laid on, it adheres to that tacky film and becomes fixed in place. This bond is essential because the leaf is extremely thin and delicate and needs a ready, sticky surface to attach securely. The size isn’t a sealant, a finish coat, or a color; its job is to provide the adhesive connection between the surface and the leaf. Depending on the technique, the size can be oil- or water-based, which affects how long it stays tacky and how strong the bond is.

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