Many of you will know we have been out of Kolner Miniatum and Miniatum Ink for some time now. Our UK supplier had decided not to stock it any longer due to a big price increase and large minimum order. Since the Autumn I have been contacting the manufacturer but with limited success. However, we have now managed to get a deal with them and I’m pleased to say it is once more in stock.
I would like to thank those of you who contacted the manufacturer directly asking them if the Kolner will become available again in the UK.

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Here are some notes and guidelines from the manufacturer of Kolner Miniatum Ink:

Kolner Miniatum Ink has been designed as a supplement to Kolner Miniatum. Finest lines can be made with a variety of drawing instruments laid with gold or silver leaf. In combination with Kolner Miniatum nearly all calligraphy works are possible.

The metal shine is mirror like after burnishing with cotton wool. The gilding work has permanent adhesion on the elastic film. Breaking or flaking on paper surfaces are not to be expected.

Kolner Miniatum Ink can be used as delivered with nibs, artist brushes and fountain pens.
Nibs and brushes need to be thoroughly cleaned after use with clean water.

Smooth surface papers are best and normally a single application is sufficient. Only on more absorbent papers a second or third application would be necessary.

Drying time depends on thickness of application and absorbency of surface. The average application dries in less than half an hour. The open time for gilding with patent leaf (gold or silver- not composition leaf) is about 3 hours after film formation, but will vary depending upon conditions.

Apply patent leaf with a ball of cotton wool pressing from the backside to transfer paper. Burnishing can take place after complete covering with metal using an Agate Burnisher or the same ball of cotton.

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Here are some notes and guidelines from the manufacturer of Kolner Miniatum:

Kolner Miniatum is a size for mirror gloss gilding on paper and flexible surfaces. It can provide a mirror like finish without burnishing with an agate burnisher. Genuine gold and silver leaf will achieve the highest degree of luster.

Kolner Miniatum is ideal size for gilding illuminated manuscripts. The elastic nature of the size assures a long lasting gilded surface. The turning of illuminated pages will not cause the leaf to delaminate.
Because Kolner Miniatum contains Butylcarbitol, make sure there is sufficient ventilation while working with this product.

The highest quality of acid free, heavy weight papers should be used as the base surface. Smooth surface papers are preferred to achieve a glass like finish.

The Size can normally be applied directly to a smooth, dry, minimally absorbent substrate with a fine brush or a drawing pen. All porous surfaces should be tested for compatibility. e.g. coated papers may require sealing with a lacquer to prevent buckling. Kolner Miniatum will provide the best results when the size forms a slightly elevated bead on the surface. The size must be thoroughly dry before applying the leaf and it will remain open for gilding for up to the next 20 hours. Due to the long open time, overnight drying is advisable to assure the highest degree of lustre.
The minimal drying time is 3 to 5 hours depending on thickness of layer, temperature and humidity. Dutch metal needs a shorter drying time. Apply patent leaf and roll leaf simply laying the leaf on the surface and rubbing the paper backing with a burnisher or ball of cotton ball.

After finishing gilding, press over the surface with a cotton ball to ensure uniform adhesion and then burnish with a fresh ball of cotton or burnisher.

Loose leaf should be laid in the same manner, using the tissue paper from the books of gold to protect the leaf when rubbing with cotton. The gilder should prefer genuine leaf or roll gold. To prevent oxidation of composition leaf and silver apply a thin coat of acrylic lacquer, preferably water based.
Clean brushes with soap and water.

Always test all materials and procedures before attempting to perform the work on the final object!

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