Ginsai Powder is made by coloring silver leaf with inorganic pigments, coating it with resin, and then crushing it into a fine powder.
In general, inorganic pigments tend to offer greater durability and stronger covering power than organic pigments.
However, because Ginsai Powder has relatively large particles, it provides very little covering power and is not suitable for smooth, paint-like application.
If you wish to use it like a paint, it needs to be ground into finer particles. However, due to the nature of the material, it becomes difficult to achieve an even finish or to preserve its original brilliance.
Its most distinctive feature is its strong sparkle, created by its large particle size. To make the most of this quality, it is best used without further grinding, while adjusting the concentration of animal glue (nikawa). If the glue is too thin, the powder will not adhere well; if it is too thick, the luster may be reduced.
Using it as a final layer will further enhance the texture of the particles.
Rather than being used for brushwork, Ginsai Powder is better suited to being sprinkled onto a surface prepared with adhesive. Applied in a way similar to sunago—a traditional Japanese technique of scattering fine metallic particles—it can add both brilliance and depth to a work.
When using glue or dosa, it is recommended to use a slightly diluted solution and apply the powder in several passes to help it adhere more securely. If it does not adhere sufficiently, it may come loose or flake off, so please adjust while observing the surface condition.
For easier application, we recommend using “Kutsuki MAX.”
We encourage you to experiment with different methods to achieve the finish that best suits your work.
