How to Put Metal on a Shell

Metal leaf is an easy way to add a metallic look to many object, including shells.

Seashells are desirable for decorating because of their soft colors, natural shapes and often calming associations. You might have seashells from a trip to the beach, or they might be store-bought. Either way, to make seashells look more dramatic, add metal to the shell for some shine. The easiest way to do this is with a metal leaf. Metal leaf comes in several colors, usually gold, silver and copper, allowing you to choose what will best suit your purposes.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Bole color
• Soft brush
• Size
• Leaf
• Scissors
• Squirrel hair brush
• Soft cloth
• Sealer

Instructions

1. Place a piece of paper over your work area. This both prevents you from damaging the area with paints and glues and catches any extra leaf that might fall during the process.

2. Apply the bole color to the shell with a brush. Bole was originally a clay used to help leaf adhere and to enhance the color. Today, colored paints are more typically used. Choose the color based on the leaf you are using. Use reds or red-browns for gold, grey, green or black for silver, and red, red-browns or dark browns for copper.

3. Apply the size, which is a kind of adhesive for leaf, with a brush once the bole has dried. Be sure to get it into all the cracks and crevices of the shell so the leaf will stick everywhere. Wait after applying size for it to reach the right level of tack, or the correct stickiness. This might take several hours; read the instructions on you container for more specifics.

   There are other types of glue you can try for leafing. Because of the glue, if you are leafing a large or rounded shell, you might need to add size and leaf to one side at a time.

4. Transfer the leaf to the shell. Leaf usually has a paper backing of some kind, which can help you move it without damaging it and touching it as little as possible. Be sure the metal side faces the shell.

5. Brush the paper with a soft squirrel brush or other gilding brush. Take care to get the leaf into all the crevices of your shell. Cut away excess leaf with a scissors, and peel away the paper once you have finished.

6. Gently polish the shell with a soft cloth. Apply a sealer, such as a clear varnish, to protect the shell. This is especially important if you have used real metal leafing, which might tarnish.

Tips & Warnings

• It is possible to achieve fine designs on the shell with metal leaf. If you do this, you might not want to apply the bole. Apply just the size instead, painting on the pattern with the size. Smooth the leaf on top and peel it away, leaving the design behind in metal.

References

• Gilded Planet: Gilding Basics 101
• The Paint Spot: Basic Gilding: Quick Instructions
• Welburn Gourd Farm: Metal Leaf