Prior to painting, the surface must be free of grease, oil, dirt, fingerprints, drawing compounds and surface passivation treatment chemicals. A first coat of an industrial wash primer should be applied according to the specific manufacturers recommendation. Appropriate finish coatings are industrial enamels and silicone alkyd enamels of the specified color. The lamination of very thin gold leaf to copper is a very old tradition. The physical advantages of gold's color and weatherability with copper's sub-surface integrity combine into a very durable, long lived, maintenance free surface.
Most gilding is done on historical statuary or domes that are difficult to maintain.
Mechanical etch with fine grit sand paper or acid etch to bare metal. Primer - The application of zinc chromate or VOC compliant primers. Butyl based or moisture cured urethane. Universal metal primer. Adhesive - Compatible with the selected primer.