Gold railheads

[Spark24]

i have seen a set of gates with gold railheads... However the gold isn't brushed on solid it sort of gives the effect that the gold is rubbing off and you can see some black underneath. They are brand new gates just installed

I think it looks really good. Is there a specific name for this technique and how is it achieved?

 

[cumbriasteve]

The effect can be obtained many ways, one of the easiest is to brush it on and then lightly use a sponge to wipe it back off the higher areas, varying the pressure will give a much more natural wear appearance.

 

[steviec_lj]

Gold leaf?

 

[brianblock]

You get that if you paint over shiney gloss enamel or hammerite without rubbing it down first

 

[baconbarm]

Get a sponge (the ones with the green pads on the reverse) dip it in the gold, just enough don't go mad- then wipe it against some cardboard repeatedly to even it out and take off excess.

There should be barely any gold on the sponge by now, then just wipe over the railhead lightly so that it only catches the bumps and high spots.

It takes a bit of practice and the sponges don't last long, but LESS IS MORE is the best tip.

 

[Kent]

bit like this done with a dry brush tends to look like its brass or similar under the black coming through