How to Apply Gold Leaf to an Item

Turn a Thrift Store Find into a Gem with the Art of Gilding

Sep 18, 2009 Lauren Flanagan

Gold leafing techniques can turn a dime store item into a million bucks. All it takes is a little patience and some crafty determination.

Gilding is an art that dates back hundreds of years, but it looks just as great today as it did then. The process of adding gold leafing to a decorative item isn't complicated and the materials needed can be purchased at art and craft stores. It's actually a fairly simple craft project.

Materials Needed to Apply Gold Leaf

  • one inexpensive lamp, vase, or other decorative item
  • two foam brushes
  • imitation gold-leaf sheets (obviously, the real thing would be a tad expensive)
  • gilder's "size" (a type of adhesive)
  • one gilder's tip brush
  • protective gloss or satin sealer
  • antique glaze (optional)

Instructions for Gold-Leafing

  • Visit a local thrift or second-hand store and look for a decorative item with a lovely shape. A vase, lamp, or wall sconce will do quite nicely. Gold leafing can be applied to a number of different materials including wood, plastic, glass, metal, and leather, so keep that in mind when shopping.
  • Before applying gold leafing make sure all the necessary prep work has been done. Cover the work area with protective drop cloths and sand the surface of the project if necessary. Make sure it is clean before beginning.
  • With a foam brush, paint an even coat of "size" (a type of adhesive that will make the sheets of gold leaf stick to the surface) all over. Let it cure for about an hour. For best results, gold leafing should be applied when the surface is wet, but not tacky. This is usually just before the adhesive has dried completely.
  • Use a gilder's tip brush (a small, flat, soft bristle brush that looks like a paint brush) to pick up a sheet of the gold leaf. It's best not to handle gold leafing very much because it is delicate and can tear easily. If the leafing accidentally tears, save the scraps to fill in any mistakes in the project.
  • Place the sheet (or leaf) on the item's surface and use the brush to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles. It's most effective to work from the center of the sheet out. Do this as many times as necessary to cover the item. Try to avoid overlapping the sheets when possible.
  • When the surface is covered, take the gilder's brush and go over the entire area, brushing away any excess leaves. During this process it's possible that some of the leafing will come off, leaving some bare spots. If this happens apply some more leafing (this is where the scraps can be used).
  • Once you're happy with the way it looks, apply a coat of protective sealer. This will ensure that the leafing doesn't flake off later. It's particularly important to do this if the item is going to be in a high traffic area. If an antiqued look is desired rub an antiquing glaze over the item with a foam brush (these are also sometimes available in sprays). Then apply a coat of gloss or satin sealer and allow to dry.

When working with gold leafing, remember that patience is key. Applying gold leafing is a delicate process. Work slowly and carefully. That said, if this project seems like too much work, a similar effect can be achieved with gold paint.

The copyright of the article How to Apply Gold Leaf to an Item in Crafts is owned by Lauren Flanagan. Permission to republish How to Apply Gold Leaf to an Item in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Gold Leaf, Alek von Felkerzam Gold Leaf
   
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