Bill Finch wrote:

> Is anyone aware of a source for paint containing real gold powder?
> My grandmother (an artist) had some in the 1940's and I've now used
> up her supply.  She made it from gold powder and artist's oil base
> materials.  The painted surfaces look like gold leaf and retain the
> gold color throughout time.

In the piano restoration business we mix our own gold paint for piano
plates, screws, etc.  I purchase "bronzing powders" from the manufac-
turer.  I keep 6 or 7 different shades.  There are probably 100 shades
or more available including green, red, blue, yellow, and other odd
metallic shades.  I have two gallon cans of the shade I use to match
most old upright piano plates.  I was afraid they might discontinue my
color, so I bought enough to last me another 30 years.  Gilding a piano
plate takes about a tablespoon in the spray gun.

To get the true gold leaf look as done on antique furniture, mix the
powder with orange shellac and paint it on.  When done and dried, coat
with 2 or more coats of orange shellac.  This technique was done on
many, many cast iron light fixtures, dictionary stands, etc.

D. L. Bullock    Piano World    St. Louis