Craigs 23.5 Carat Gold Leaf 30ml

23.5 Carat Gold Leaf Water Based (30 ml) – Professional Renovation Gold Paint by Goldfarben

Notice for Stonemasons: If you are looking for the maximum possible mirror-like gloss for newly carved or completely repainted lettering on tombstones, the absolute most preferred and best-selling paint among professionals is the solvent-based Craig's Gold Leaf 30ml, which achieves an even higher and more brilliant metallic gloss thanks to its unique formula.

However, if your goal is the precise repair of an inscription on a historical monument, frame restoration, or local detailed touch-ups where the original gold leaf is peeling or missing, the water-based 23.5 Carat Gold Leaf Water Based from the renowned British manufacturer Goldfarben represents the ideal solution for seamless repairs without the need for costly regilding of the entire surface.

This premium single-component water-based paint was developed based on detailed information from the manufacturer's official documentation, with the primary goal of achieving a 100% shade match with genuine 23.5-carat gold leaf. Careful application directly adjacent to preserved, original gold leaf creates an optically invisible repair. Thanks to its modern eco-friendly formula with low VOC content, it is ideal for interior and exterior restoration work, arts and crafts, and fine stonemasonry corrections.

Instructions for Use

To achieve a perfectly invisible transition and maximum lifespan, strictly follow the professional procedure recommended by the manufacturer:

1. Substrate Preparation – Do Not Underestimate the Foundation of Success

• The substrate surface and the damaged areas themselves must be 100% clean, dry, and free of dust, grease, or loose, peeling fragments of old gold prior to painting.
• Cleaning Surrounding Areas: Before application, we recommend gently wiping the surface with a preparatory cleaning agent to remove all trace contaminants that could reduce adhesion.
• Important Note: Since this is a water-based product, the substrate must not be greasy and must be completely dry for the paint to adhere properly and form a stable film.
• You can read the full and detailed procedure for restoring lettering and decorations in our article: Tombstone Lettering Restoration: Procedure, Equipment, and Everything You Need to Restore Inscriptions

2. Paint Application

• No Primer Required: 23.5 Carat Gold Leaf paint is applied directly onto the untreated and clean surface. No primer is needed.
• Before opening and during application, mix the paint thoroughly to ensure the fine gold pigments are evenly dispersed throughout the emulsion.
• We recommend applying 2 optimal coats to achieve perfect opacity and depth of tone.
• The paint features excellent brushability and is ready to be applied with a very fine artist's brush (for precise detail) or via spraying.

3. Thinning and Cleaning Tools

• Since this is an eco-friendly water-based system, clean water is all you need to wash brushes, spray guns, and hands. No synthetic thinners are required.
• If you need to adjust the paint for spraying, alter the viscosity by carefully adding clean water – up to a maximum of 10% of the volume. Add very carefully, drop by drop.

Approximate Drying Time Table

Drying speed depends mainly on room or outdoor temperature, airflow, and relative humidity. The advantage of Goldfarben's water base is its rapid initial drying time. The times below serve as an approximate guide:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this paint suitable for completely writing new text on tombstones?
The manufacturer, Goldfarben, recommends this water-based version primarily for restoration touch-ups, interior/exterior decorations, and repairs of already existing, damaged gold leaf. For writing entirely new text directly onto bare hard stone outdoors with the highest gloss, we recommend the solvent-based Craig's Gold Leaf range.

Can I seal the repaired area with a clear varnish?
It is not necessary. The paint contains high-quality acrylic polymers that, after the water evaporates, form a durable and stable surface with a permanent gloss that reliably resists atmospheric influences even without a topcoat.

Do you recommend testing the product before application?
Definitely, yes. Given the specific nature of restoration repairs, the manufacturer strongly recommends performing a test application on a small, hidden area to check the gloss level, substrate absorbency, and visual blending with the original material.

Product Technical Parameters: