How to Gild on Ceramic, China & Porcelain Using Kölner Ceramic Size

Kölner Ceramic adhesive is a gilding size that produces a mirror-gloss finish on ceramic, porcelain, and china. It is formulated to repair small cracks in gilded pieces. Both KT-5 and KT-5HV are water-based and suitable for applying transfer gold leaf, but you cannot burnish them. You can apply gold leaf to most surfaces, including ceramic tile, after preparing them with Kölner Ceramic gilding size KT5. This product fills minor imperfections or cracks in ceramic. After preparation, apply genuine or imitation gold leaf transfer for a high-gloss finish. KT5 is intended for indoor use only.

Fill ceramic or porcelain cavities directly with KT-5 or KT5-HV. Gently apply the gold leaf, then press it down with Instacoll Tissue or a wool brush. Drying time varies based on application thickness.

Kölner KT5-HV Ceramic Size is thicker than KT5 and is better suited for filling larger cavities.

Kölner Ceramic size is also suitable for gilding new ceramic or china pieces. The application process depends on whether you use the liquid formula (KT-5) for flat-surface painting or the gel formula (KT-5-hv) to fill chips and cracks.

Prepare the Surface

Clean the ceramic thoroughly with a microfibre cloth. Make sure the area is completely dry and free of dust, grease, and fingerprints.
Apply the Ceramic Size

For flat painting and touch-ups (liquid KT-5): Apply an even layer with a flat, soft synthetic hair brush.

If the ceramic is highly porous, seal it first with a 1:1 mixture of KT-5 and water. Allow it to dry before applying the main layer.

Wait for Film Formation

Allow the final layer of size to dry for at least 4 hours before gilding. When fully dry, it will form a clear, smooth film ready to accept the gold.

Apply the gold leaf

Use patent or transfer gold leaf (attached to backing tissue paper) for this system. Loose god leaf will not adhere properly.

Cut the transfer gold leaf to size, place it face-down on the adhesive, and press firmly against the backing paper using cotton wool or your thumb. Press the leaf directly into the size to ensure complete adhesion.