Leaf vs Foil?
 

Can anyone tell me the difference between Gold/Silver Leaf and Gold/Silver Foil? And their applications? I have minimal experience with either....

Leaf is thinner and a little harder to work with because of it - wants to float away or stick to your fingers. Not much difference in their applications, though their effects differ a bit.

Thickness. Leaf is very very very thin... needs to be between tissue to cut or punch out... blows away at the slightest provocation... burns out if you're not careful. Foil comes in varying thicknesses, but is easier to work with than leaf. Also more expensive, since you are getting more metal.

I just accidently bought a book of leaf and I'm kicking myself over it. I prefer foil. Leaf tears really easily and burns out really easily. I think its a lot harder to control. The slightest breeze and it blows away.

Regarding thickness....how do you know what thickness you are getting when you buy silver foil? I've purchased it from several places and some is thinner than others but as far as I can remember it never said what thickness. I'd like the thickest I can get....any ideas where?

I do not like working with leaf so I only use foil. Love it!

Thank you so much everyone. I really didn't know if there was a huge difference. I can understand the weight/thickness of the leaf vs foil being a huge factor in the ease ability of use and application. Foil seems to be the way to go!

Maybe I may need to buy a Baz Box....I watched the you tube video recently and it certainly did make me chuckle.

Julieann -
Check out this freebie tutorial by Shawnette on making your own leaf and foil vaccum. http://lampworketc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=239667

Great, thank you Debbie! And Shawnette!

I use leaf for some reactions where I just need a bit of metal. Foil is too much and leaf is just right.

Re: Gold Foil
 

Hi Karin, Where can I buy Gold Foil? I'm in Boston, MA if that helps any.

Thanks!
Dave

Hi Dave - lots of lampwork supply shops sell gold and silver foil. Here are just a few:

http://frantzartglass.com/pc_combine...h_keyword=foil

http://howacoglass.com/leaf_foil.html

http://www.devardiglass.com/Metalworking.htm

To clarify: I like using copper leaf to get special effects. I like using silver foil so the foil shows up and isn't burned off easily. Palladium foil is wonderful when not encased because it can get some peacock hues going, especially if it is in the kiln for a long time. I have used gold leaf but it seems pricey for an effect that is about the same as the silver but warmer looking.

So what does copper foil do? I've only worked with silver and it's been a long time!

When you make silvered ivory stringer do you use leaf or foil?

I always use foil but I might try leaf again. The effects are different for each but I don't think it's a huge difference for ivory. i think some folks do use leaf but foil is more common as you can get little tiny silver droplets with the foil.

I have always used foil if only because leaf can be so hard to handle.

There is a link to a wonderful silvered ivory tutorial in this thread that may give you some other tips and ideas.