What did I do wrong?
First attempt at gilding.
I sanded for about 5-7 minutes per side. Going from 80 all the way up to 400. Sealed it with a little beeswax while it was still hot.
Why is it cracking like this? I did two layers of foil, let it sit for 10 minutes, took it out of the clamp, fanned the pages and this happened. Added another layer and it happened again.
Any help is greatly appreciated!
SOLVED
After further experimenting and research, I’ve concluded that I wasn’t sanding thoroughly enough. I started with 80 grit, then 180 and finally 400. However, it seems you need to get a “mirror” finish on the paper edges before attempting to foil, which takes more sanding and a higher grit sandpaper )I’ve gone up to 1000 grit). I did not realize that you need the mirror finish on the paper before attempting to add foil, or that it was even possible to achieve this in the first place.
For clarification for those confused by the wording of my original post, I rubbed the beeswax on as a sealant directly after** **heat transferring the foil, not before.