Step 1:  Prepare work area: Cover working surfaces and floor areas with drop cloths or newspaper. Use tape to mask any areas not to be gilded. Lightly sand the surface if necessary with 220 grit sandpaper to remove any blemishes.

Step 2: Prime surface:  Remove sanding dust with a tack cloth and prime as needed. Refer to the artSparx basic preparation resource for additional tips and techniques

Step 3: Apply 'bole' color:  Once the primer is fully dry, you are ready to apply the base color for your leaf. Traditionally a deep terre cotte color is used, such as Benjamin Moore color # 2090-30. 

This base color is also referred to as the 'Bole' color. Traditionally, bole was made from clay. Today paint is typically substituted. One can experiment with different colors and your choice will affect the overall appearance of the finished product. For example, the traditional terra-cotta color adds warmth to both gold and silver leaf. A black 'bole' color creates a hard, cold look - often appropriate for Art Deco pieces, and the like. A yellow 'bole' color evens out the overall appearance, and diminishes any cracks or 'holidays' on the gilded surface.

Step 4: Apply adhesive 'size'. Apply your 'size'. Size refers to the adhesive used to adhere the leaf to a surface. There are different kinds of size adhesive dependant on the finished look you desire. For most common gilding practices a 3 hour, 'quick drying' size is all you will need. It is an oil based product and can be cleaned with mineral spirits. Apply carefully and evenly, working the size to an even film as much as possible. When competed, clean your brush with mineral spirits.

Step 5: Apply leaf:

After the leaf is laid on, rub thoroughly over paper to insure adhesion. Gently remove the paper, leaving the leaf on your surface.

Step 6: Seal and protect the gilded surface

Protect the leaf with a coat of oil based varnish., A satin or semi-gloss sheen will work nicely. This seals the leaf, protecting it from moisture and air. It also acts as a barrier coat between the leafed surface and the antiquing glaze that soon follows. Clean your brush with mineral spirits when completed.

Individual Books of Metal Leaf

Sample Pack! 1 book Imitation Gold Leaf 1 book Aluminum Leaf 1 book Copper Leaf $ 17.50 Item #  AX_metal_sampPK Special request? Ask Us.

More Metal Composition Leaf Individual books Made from various metallic alloys that simulate gold or silver. Items covered with imitation leaf will tarnish unless they are varnished or sealed. Sheets of imitation leaf are approximately 5.5 in. x 5.5 in. 25 sheets per book, 20 books to a pack. Copper leaf is genuine copper. Imitation Dutch Gold Leaf - $ 6.50 Item: AX_Imgold_bk Aluminum Leaf - $ 6.50 Item: AX_Imsilver_bk Copper Leaf - $ 7.25 Item: AX_Copper_bk Gilding Kits - Imitation Gold Leaf, Aluminum Leaf or Copper - $ 24.95

Step 7: Apply antique glaze

Antiquing and aging your leafed surface. For antiquing recipes for gilded surfaces visit the Antiquing Center. Also visit the Antiquing Silver Leaf step by step tutorial.

On a palette, mix your glaze and dilute with water. Apply evenly over surface, smoothing out as you go. In case the glaze 'beads', allow to set momentarily then smooth out as before.

Using a dry rag, buff up 'high' points, allowing the recesses to remain darker, mimicking the processes of time.

For more detailed gilding methods, photos, tips and techniques visit the gilding tutorials at artSparx Gilded Corner.

 

Silver Leafing Techniques	Gold Leafing Techniques
Silver Leafing select to visit the full tutorial Transform everyday objects into heirlooms. Silver leafing can add charm and personality to even the most ordinary objects.	Gold Leafing select to visit the full tutorial Gold Leafing might be just the right accent you're looking for! These straight forward step-by-step methods helps get the job done right.

Special Feature - About gilding products
Aluminum Leaf Purchase Aluminum and Genuine Silver Leaf. Also available in rolls!	Dutch Gold or composition leaf Purchase Imitation and Genuine Gold Leaf. Also available in rolls!
Aluminum Leaf imitates the illusion of genuine Silver, at a fraction of the cost. Each individual sheet is bigger and easier to handle then its genuine counter part.	The same applies for 'Dutch Gold', or 'Composition Leaf'. But due to the large brass content, this imitation gold must have a sealer applied to prevent tarnishing, unlike genuine gold leaf.

Antiquing Tutorials "Classic antique glaze" This glaze mixture is the essential antique color recipe. Understand what colors to use, and how to mix them. Including accent antique methods like weathering, physical distressing, and creating fly specks and worm holes. Antiquing with oil glazes  What are Universal tinters, Japan colors or artist oil paint? Create the exact glaze you want, using the right materials. Antiquing with water based glazes  Whether you use Artist acrylic paints or Universal tinters as you colorant you can create the perfect antique glaze. More Antiquing methods