Oil-based Size vs Kölner Instacoll Size

Oil-based gold size is a classic linseed oil varnish adhesive gilders use to apply real or imitation gold leaf to non-porous surfaces. Unlike water-based sizes that stay tacky, oil-based size cure completely over time. This makes them weather-resistant and gives a mirror-bright, professional finish, ideal for outdoor signs, stone monuments, exterior features, and fine antiques.

Kölner Instacoll Size is an acrylic, water-based gilding system that can replace traditional oil-based size for many indoor and outdoor uses. It gives you a high-gloss finish without waiting for oil to dry or using an agate burnisher.

Instacoll Compared to Oil-Based Size

• Two-part process: Oil size has a set tack time, but Instacoll works in two steps. First, apply the Instacoll Base, which is an acrylic adhesive, then add the Activator.
• Dry Application: paint on the Instacoll Base and let it dry completely. You can add the Activator whenever you are ready to apply the gold leaf, even if that is days, weeks, or months later.
• No burnishing needed: Instacoll gives a mirror-like shine when you rub it with a special suede-like tissue, so you do not need an agate stone to polish the metal leaf.
• Easy cleanup: because Instacoll is water-based, you can clean your tools with soap and water instead of using strong chemical solvents like you would with oil size.

Instacoll is a water-based gilding adhesive for indoor and outdoor projects. With Instacoll Size, you can achieve a high-gloss, mirror-like finish without the hard work of traditional water gilding. It is easy to create a Super Shine or Mirror Gloss effect without using an agate burnisher.nisher.

Instacoll Mirror Shine helps you recreate the rich look of traditional gilding with less effort. It is a great choice for artisans, restorers, and designers who want a high-quality gilding option.

Essential Gilding Tips

• The squeak test: to check if the surface is ready, run a clean, dry knuckle across it. If you hear a clear “whistling squeak” and feel no drag or wetness, it is ready for gilding.
• Ultra-thin layer. Excess thickness can cause pooling, a wrinkled “orange peel” texture, and improper drying.
• Mind the temperature: cold or humid conditions, like New Zealand winters or coastal climates, can slow down tack times.
• When you can, work in a temperature-controlled, dust-free space.

Why choose Instacoll?

Mirror-Like Gold Leaf Finish: get the shine of traditional water gilding without needing an agate burnisher. This simple two-step system makes the gilding process easier.

Instacoll works well for both indoor and outdoor gilding projects. Reactivatable adhesion: You can apply gold, silver, or metal leaf whenever you want even after months by reactivating the surface as needed using the Instacoll Activator.

Buy Kölner Instacoll Size  or Otari Oil-based Size for indoors and outdoors gilding.