Because this product has adhesive on the face of the gold (the part you see when looking from outside the window), there are considerations one must take to insure a successful job using the film. Outlined here, application guidelines will help the new user of the product complete a successful window gold job.

Clean the glass area to be lettered using Bon Ami or a good glass cleaner. Remove smudges on the glass area before beginning. Clean glass makes for a good result. 

We recommend using an outline (black or dark color) when doing reverse-cut gold as it accentuates the rich gold color. When cutting the reverse-cut gold letter, be sure to cut the gold a little larger than the in-line of the outline so the gold overlaps into the middle of the outline so there are no gold holidays left (Holidays are areas left where gold should be).

We recommend applying the outline or outline and shade first before the goldleaf as this makes for a beautiful job with a refractive glimmer of highlight caused from the gold bending over the outline edge. The effect is beautiful and attracts the eye for a more elegant goldleaf look. This bending of the light really is beautiful and once seen is a desirable effect. Doing the process in reverse is also acceptable---placing the gold on the window and then the outline by overlapping...but, it is not the preferred method.

If the reverse-cut goldleaf you are using is the BURNISH GILD REVERSE CUT, this application point is very IMPORTANT. Because every blemish is shown on the gold itself through the glass, the installer must be very careful with the process of pressing the SignGold into the desired area. We recommend using the thumb or felt squeegee for this application because with care, no blemishes will be seen on the adhesive side of the goldleaf. The thumb is still the best tool you have and it is with you all the time! If you are using SURFACE MATT REVERSE CUT, the application procedure is a little less demanding as the leaf itself does not show the blemishes as much but care should still be taken not to scratch the gold.

After applying the reverse-cut gold, should you edge-seal? Yes, the One Shot Acrylic Clear 4005 will help protect the edges of the SignGold from lifting during the window washing process. This edge-sealing is just good insurance against premature lifting over time. With proper application, reverse-cut window gold has tremendous life as the film is inside the glass away from the elements except UV. And, UV does not affect goldleaf like other less stable materials. SignGold reverse-cut material is authentic 22K goldleaf and has outstanding durability.