Content

• Steps
• Tips

Gold leaf is gold that is found in thin foil and can be used to decorate covers, picture frames, books, and even food and drinks. The use of gold leaf is called gilding and this process requires several specialized tools and materials, including primer, glue, brushes, knives, and padding. Gold leaf comes in sheets or rolls, which can be expensive; many gilders use artificial gold leaf as it is cheaper.

Steps

1. 1 Prepare the item to be gilded using masking tape to cover the area if you don't want to gild and sand the rest of the surface. Use a cloth to remove dust from sanding.
2. 2 Fill the item with a primer that is specifically designed for gilding. If you are not using a gilding primer, you will need to apply a base coat of paint called bole. You can choose to apply more even when you don't need it; some gilders prefer this option.
3. 3 Drawing on gilded glue. This is a glue that will dry to a sticky state (fairly dry, but tacky to the touch) after a few hours. It will then be sticky for a few more hours, giving you time to apply the gold leaf.
4. 4 Applications of gold leaf. Carefully peel the sheet off the backing paper and stick it to the item. Or you can lay the sheet down and hold it on the surface by rubbing it with a brush or fingers and then gently pulling on the paper backing.
   • After placing the gold leaf sheet on the surface, blow on it to help keep it level enough to work with.
5. 5 Consider cuts in small pieces of gold leaf for easier application.
   • Peel the sheet off the cover with a knife and lay it flat on the gold-plated part that you peeled off with a pumice stone. Cut the sheets into small pieces and pick them up with a cotton swab.
   • Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the back of your hand for easy lifting of the gold-plated part. Touch the cotton swab to the petroleum jelly, then touch it to the sheet. This will lift it off the paper and it will remain on the cotton swab until you place it on the item that you have gilded.
6. 6 A soft gilded brush will glue the sheet completely and smoothly. It should look like this item is made of gold and not covered with gold leaf.
7. 7 Look for areas where the gold leaf has not adhered or flaked. Use a small piece of leaf to cover this area.
8. 8 Open up the gold leaf using acrylic for the top layer. The top coat will protect the sheet from damage caused by touch, dust, water and UV light. You do not need to open gold leaf, which is rated at 22 carats or higher.
9. 9 Give the item an antique look, if desired, by applying varnish.

Tips

• You can also decorate items with other metal leaves such as silver or copper ..