Topic: Gold or Silver leaf?

[Steve F]

  Has anyone ever tried to apply gold of silver leaf to the sidecover badges?  Mine are looking a little "worn" on my '76 750F, and I'd like to refresh the "gold" finish on the lettering.  What do you use as far as adhesive and sealer?

[Bob Wessner]

Interesting idea. It prompted me to do a little Googling. Found this, thought you might be able to use it.

http://www.gildedplanet.com/howtogoldleaf.asp

Saw another site that suggested using a Pilot Pen (gold of course), but not sure how well it would work for this application.

[pmpski_1]

I was thinking about using some acrylic colors to do the same, but I would be using black or white instead of gold or silver. I don't know how well this would stand up to heat, moisture, and vibration over a long period of time.

If you are doing a period correct restoration this may not be good enough, but if you just want to get some color then it may be ok. I've seen some pretty interesting uses for acrylic paint, so I know that there are additives that you can use to get it to do what you need it to do.

Golden Paints makes a ton of paints and additives. If you have an airbrush, you could use some of their "Fluid Colors" and the airbrush to apply the paint. With a high gloss additive it may give you the effect that you need. You could do the same thing with a brush if you don't have an airbrush.

http://www.goldenpaints.com/products/color/fluid/fldirid1.php

If you wanted to go this route, there are articles on the Golden site to tell you how to use the paints. Or just find a local art store with a staff that is knowledgable about this paint and the additives.

Then again, there's always that  $4.69 can of gold spraypaint at Home Depot

[kghost]

Used Silver leaf as the stripe on my Black Bike (see Gallery).

If your going to try it be prepared for a learning experience!

[bearcatamo]

Steve, don't even try! Just send those along with the side covers to me................
Barry