has anyone done it?  If so I need some tips or a web site or book that explains it.  maybe there is such a thing as enameling gold leaf but I havn't heard of it.  What specifically I am trying to do is to lacquer a silver surface and then put bits of gold leaf on the lacquer so the color of the lacquer and bits of gold leaf are both visible.   In the book 'The Complete Book of Jewelry Making' by codina it shows a picture of what I am trying to do on page 97 of his book(and page 94).  its bracelets that he does it on.  But he doesn't explain the process.  On Page 97 he just says put the gold leaf on the lacquer.   I need more information and instruction.  appreciate any info.

 for polymer clay we "lacquer" leaf using an acrylic sealer. since you are using metal I think a spray sealer would be really convenient.

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I have only the German translation of the Codia book. I think however, the individual chapters am directly divided. Under the title: " Lacquer finish variant 12 " the processing steps of the gold laying are described. Present in place of a whole foil only foil bits.

URUSHI-Painting must you however something practice. It is a highly complicated art and is valid in Japan as king discipline of the lacquer finish art. In place of genuine gold you can use also metal foils or metal foil bits from copper or brass. Such base metal foils you should find by hobby suppliers.

And here one URL over URUSHI technique: http://www.urushi-kobo.com/decoration.html

You'll find many informations about URUSHI!

I think, if you google under “Urushi" you find still further information.

Edmund from Bavaria/D

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 I again regarded the Urushi article in the Codina book. It recommends Trichloroethylene as degreaser. Never use Trichlorethylene in your workshop. Both the liquid and vapours are very poisonous! Use instead of its Isopropanol or Ethanol. Both alcohols are far less poisonous than Trichloroethylene. But note! Ethanol and Isopropanol are easily inflammable. With the alcohols never works near an open flame. And! Ventilate the workplace well.! Because also alcohol vapour make drunk

Before one makes oneself much work should one consider that varnished surfaces are  very damageable. The lacquer scratched quick and becomes then unattractive.

And last not least a supplier for base metal leaf: http://www.dickblick.com/

Edmund