Headstone Gilding & Monumental Masons Lettering Restoration With Rapid Stone Size

In New Zealand, gold lettering on headstones usually uses 23-carat or 24-carat gold leaf pressed into sandblasted engravings. This finish lasts about 10 to 15 years, depending on the stone type and the weather.

Kölner Rapid Stone Mason is specifically developed for stone mason requirements. The adhesive is applied undiluted in two layers with a brush. After approximately 15 minutes of drying (depending on the thickness of the Rapid layer, temperature, and relative humidity), you can apply a second layer of Rapid or start gilding. Beware that the Rapid layer must be completely dry before gilding. After that, you have three days of open time to make a high-quality gilding.

To gild a headstone with Kölner Rapid Stone Size, brush the undiluted, water-based adhesive onto clean, dry, grease-free chiselled or sandblasted letters. Wait about 15 minutes until it dries and feels tacky, then press the gold leaf into place. You have up to 8 hours to apply the gold leaf after the adhesive is ready.

1. Surface Preparation

Clean the stone: Use a soft brush or gentle cleaner to get rid of any old gilding, dirt, debris, or grease from the carved or sand-blasted letters.
Dry completely: Make sure the engraved lettering area is fully dry before you apply any product.
Seal (if needed): If the stone is very porous, apply a stone sealer first. This helps prevent the stone from soaking up the adhesive.

2. Applying Kölner Rapid Stone Size

Pick your colour: Use either Kölner Rapid Stone Size Yellow or Clear. Yellow gives a warm, forgiving base under the gold leaf.
Use it as is: Do not add water. Brush on one smooth, even coat directly into the letters with a fine synthetic brush, like a cat tongue brush for detailed edges.
For porous surfaces: If the stone is very porous, you may need to add a second coat of Rapid Size after the first one dries.

3. Curing and Tack Time

Let the size dry for about 15 minutes. The exact drying time can change depending on the air temperature and humidity.
Make sure the layer is fully dry and clear before you apply the leaf.
After it dries, you have up to 8 hours to finish the gilding.

4. Laying the Gold Leaf

Apply the leaf by gently pressing transfer gold leaf or loose leaf, using at least 23-carat gold for outdoor durability, onto the tacky letters.
Press down with a soft brush or Kölner Tissue to make sure the transfer paper or leaf gets into the V-cuts and corners of the engraving.
Brush away with mop/duster any extra gold leaf from the stone’s surface outside the letters, and lightly polish. If you use high-karat gold (23ct or higher), you do not need a protective top coat. Lower-carat gold or silver leaf may need sealing to prevent tarnish.