How to Apply Gold Leaf

Last Updated: March 21, 2023 References

Gold leaf is gold that's been hammered into a thin foil and is usually sold in sheets or rolls. It’s often used to decorate picture frames, books, and even food. Gilding is the process of applying gold leaf. It requires specialized supplies, such as gilder’s primer and a leather gilding cushion, and consists of several steps involving sticky and delicate materials. However, gilding is actually quite easy to master. All you need are an object to gild and some patience.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing the Object

1
Cover the areas you don't want to gild. If you don’t want to gild your entire object, use painter’s tape to cover the parts you want ungilded. This will keep the sizer and gold leaf in the areas where you want them. Because the tape adhesive isn’t very strong, you can remove the tape easily without damaging anything.
2
Sand the rest of the surface. Use a piece of sand paper to go over the areas that don’t have any painter’s tape. Continue sanding until the surface is smooth. Use a tack cloth to remove the dust you created by sanding.

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3
Prime the object. Use a primer that's formulated especially for gilding. Gilder’s primer works with gilding sizer to form a tacky surface that will permanently hold gold leaf. It’s also pigmented to hide any flaws that might remain visible after the leaf is applied. If you use regular primer, you will have to apply a base layer of pigmented paint called a bole before applying the primer.
- Alternatively, you can use a paint color as a base color to the gold leaf since there will not be a perfectly smooth gold finish.
- Paint two coats of the new paint color.
- Once dry, cover the area you want to gold leaf with a coat of adhesive.^{[1]
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4
Apply the gilding sizer with a paintbrush. Wait at least 30 minutes until the sizer has dried to a clear finish.^{[2]
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Research source} At this point, the sizer will still feel tacky (fairly dry but sticky to the touch). It will then remain tacky for several more hours, giving you time to apply the gold leaf.
- An alternative way of testing for tackiness is to glide your knuckle down the surface of the object. If you can hear a squeak, it’s ready for the gold leaf.
- While the sizer is drying, clean the gilding cushion.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Cleaning the Gilding Cushion

1
Take out the gilding cushion. A gilding cushion is used in the process of cutting the gold leaf. It consists of leather stretched over a wooden block. The leather provides a smooth surface that won’t tear the leaf.
2
Open the package of pumice powder. Scoop out a small amount with the gilding knife. This should be enough to cover about the first inch (25.4mm) of the blade. Slowly bring the knife to the gilding cushion.
3
Degrease the gilding cushion. Spread the powder over the surface of the cushion using the long edge of the blade. Lightly distribute the powder across the surface of the cushion by moving the blade back and forth. Continue doing this until the powder covers the entire surface. This will absorb any remaining grease that would make the leaf stick to the cushion.
4
Remove excess powder. Using the flat side of the blade, scrape the remaining powder on to the cushion. Gently brush away and leftover powder from the cushion. Thoroughly wipe the blade with a cloth to remove any lingering pumice particles.^{[3]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Applying the Gold Leaf

1
Cut the gold leaf into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to apply. Lay the leaf flat on the gilding cushion. The matte side with the backing should be face-up. Gently apply pressure with the blade of the knife to begin cutting. You should do this while you’re waiting for the sizer to dry.
2
Remove the leaf from the backing. Do this while the leaf is still laying flat on the cushion. A common way to do this is to carefully insert the knife between the leaf and the backing. Keep the tissue paper backing for burnishing the leaf in the application process. Alternatively, you can:
- Lay the leaf and backing on the surface of the object. The backing side should face you.
- Burnish the leaf with a brush or your fingers.
- Carefully pull the paper backing away.
- Blow on the gold leaf. This will encourage it to lay flat enough to work with.
3
Lay the gold leaf on the object. It will only stick to the tacky areas of the surface. If your sheets of leaf don’t cover the entire width of the surface, you can arrange the pieces in a simple grid pattern.^{[4]
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- Don’t worry if areas seem to overlap. You can remove those later.
4
Smooth the leaf. Lay the tissue paper backing on top of the leaf. Use your index finger to gently burnish the leaf and remove any air pockets. Keep the paper still to avoid tearing or scratching the leaf.
5
Brush the leaf. Use a soft gilder's brush to make the leaf adhere to the object completely and smoothly. Move in a gentle back-and forth motion. The movement of the brush will remove the excess pieces of leaf. The object should look as if it’s made of gold rather than covered in gold leaf.
6
Look for imperfections. This includes holes or other places where the gold leaf didn't adhere. Apply small bits of leaf to cover them. Smooth and brush the new bits before moving to the final step.
7
Seal the gold leaf. Apply an acrylic topcoat. The topcoat will protect the leaf from damage due to handling, dust, water and ultraviolet light. Allow the seal to dry for five hours.^{[5]
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- The top coat isn’t necessary if you’re gilding perishable items like food.^{[6]
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8
Glaze the object. This optional step will give the surface an antique look. Using a dry paintbrush, apply the glaze. Move in straight lines, going back and forth as you progress across the surface. Wipe off excess glaze with a soft dust cloth.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I paint over gold leaf with egg tempera or acrylic paint?

Community Answer

Yes, you can use either medium. Medieval artists would often use tempera paint on gilded icons. You can find a tutorial on using acrylic paint at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTKy5Tx9hso.
Question

Can I apply gold leaf over an oil painting?

Community Answer

Yes you can! Use a water gilding method instead of oil gilding. The gold will take instantly to any shape left on surface, such as brush strokes or indents.
Question

I have a 50th anniversary cup that has gold trim and lettering. Can I use an 18k gold pen to add names and if so will it stay on if washed?

Community Answer

You can use it, but you should wash it by hand only.