new skill - progress

[JPSmit]

Hope this works. My before (left) and after (right) I cleaned up my plastic chrome switches tonight with aluminum leaf. cheap ($15) at the art store for more than I'll ever use. It's not as smooth as I would like but the next one is better.

Hurray - one tiny step closer

 

[jlaird]

Now that's a trick.

 

[bugimike]

JP, I have used and do use these materials (+ gold leaf) in my work. Looks good! To get it smoother, original surface should be <u>perfectly</u> smooth (leaf will <span style="color: #FF0000">NOT</span> hide flaws), and after application, burnish the surface to a nice shine!

 

[JPSmit]

Mike - the issue wasn't that the base wasn't smooth (it was) it was that the foil went on slightly wrinkled - any suggestions?

 

[bugimike]

Burnishing the material after it is applied should improve it! The real trick though is to lay it without wrinkles!!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
What are you using as a sizing material (glue)?

 

[JPSmit]

whatever they sold me (it has no label) it is however water based

 

[JPSmit]

stoopid question - what do you burnish with?

 

[GB1]

Looks nice, I never thought of that one. I have used chrome paint on mine in the past. They look better then before, but not as good as yours.

Patrick

 

[bugimike]

To burnish it you need a hard smooth tool. I have a special one for what I do, but you could use a smooth handle from silverware, or even the back-side of a teaspoon!!

The photo I attached doesn't show much, but the tool is rounded and tapered. <u>Gentle</u> rubbing (or burnishing) will polish the layer of metal leaf (silver, gold, aluminium etc.)to a "smoother" shine than when it is first applied.
Since your size is water-based, a coat of clear finish might make it a bit more permanent(clear nail-polish would work well around that switch!-something for the wife to do!?)