Etching and gold leaf

[AvenueBeads]

Quick question...

I have a large focal that has a lot of gold leaf on the surface. I was wondering if etching a bead that has gold leaf on it alters the leaf in any way?

~Joe~

[Emily]

Here's a link to Kate Fowle Meleney's website, where she has a picture of one of her Aegean Urn beads. Effetre glass, gold leaf, etched with acid (well, there's some enamel and murrine involved, too). The gold stays put.

http://www.katefowle.com/gallery.htm

[Gardengirl]

The gold holds up pretty well with etching. I've done it to a lot of beads. If you leave it in the solution for too long, though it WILL start to eat through the solution.
If you do a standard 2 to 4 minute dip, you should have no problems. Just don't leave it in for 15 min like I did once. It ate up most of the gold and turned the rest of it this disgusting mud color.

p.s. - Emily - I love your tagline! it makes me smile every time I read it