A Beginners Guide To Using Gold Leaf

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Gold leaf inside artwork was once a sign of enormous wealth. Creations by artists such as Klimt would be covered in the golden specks in a manner that would be considered distasteful if created in modern society.

However, gilding or applying gold leaf can add an element of magic to your artwork. It can add a sense of realism to a portrait to enhance your imagery. Using a little flake of gold leaf, here and there, can make your creation pop.

The Difference Between Real Gold Leaf And Imitation Gold Leaf

Gold leaf is created by pressurized real gold until it forms a very thin layer. The layers are so thin, that simply mis-holding the leaf can cause it to break.

Because real gold is very expressive, imitation gold has been created to allow artists to create their imagings without burning through their wallets.

Imitation gold is thicker making it easier to apply, but less flush against your surfaces. It will also change color over time if it hasn’t been sealed correctly. This is due to the high copper count in its foundations. 

By comparison, top quality gold leaf sheets are thinner and more delicate, allowing them to blend easier with your non-metal backgrounds. It will also keep its bright complexion.

The downside to real gold leaf is its large price tag. If you make a mistake with this material, it won’t just upset your artistic plans, it will also cost you to correct the error.

Tips On Using Gold Leaf

Tip 1 - if you are using real gold leaf, you don’t need to varnish the artwork after application. We recommend that you still apply the varnish to protect your artwork from natural debris, however, it will not affect the coloration of the leaf.

Tip 2 - If you are using imitation gold leaf, then varnishing is required to keep the color as expected. If you want an aged look, then avoid the varnishing step, however, be aware of how this step affects the overall look of your art.

Tip 3 - Painting oil on top of an unsealed imitation leaf will create a varnishing effect. This means the leaf will not become tarnished.

Tip 4 - Painting acrylic over an unsealed imitation leaf will not protect the material and will tarnish the coloration.

Tip 5 - When using varnish, stick to a gloss shine instead of matt. Matt will dull the gold color.

Tips For Applying Gold Leaf

Tip 1 - If you apply gold leaf to wood, make sure to sand down the surface first. Then use gesso to create an adhesive texture. Once dry, choose acrylic paint as your base, and apply the gold sheet last.

Tip 2 - When you're gilding over acrylic, you should use water-based adhesive. 

Tip 3 - When you’re gilding over oil paints, you need to wait for the oil to dry. This can take months, but if you apply the gold too early, the leaf may stick to an area you weren’t expecting - thereby ruining your art.

Tip 4 - When applying the gold leaf, place it on an area you want it to stick to then put wax paper over the top. Rub down on the wax paper in a smooth and singular motion. This will allow the leaf to stick to the canvas and not you.

Tip 5 - Most people lay down more than they require when they gild gold leaf. This allows them to be less exact, knowing that the adhesive will hold all of the gold they want, while the excess can be brushed away. To brush away the excess, use a soft brush to avoid damaging the leaf you want to retain. 

Tips On Varnishing And Sealing Gold Leaf

Tip 1 - Avoid using oil paint over your varnish. This will likely destroy the protective layer which was designed to keep your imitation gold leaf from aging. If you want the same effect of oil paint without the destructive side effects, use Shellac instead.

Tip 2 - The same issue can be found in acrylics if you don’t use a sealant to cover the gold lead first. This is due to the ammonia inside the paint. If you want to use acrylic paint, we suggest painting first, sealing the paint, and then gilding on top. This will prevent the acrylic from affecting the gold from above or below.

Summary

From the tips above, you will be able to avoid the common mistakes that many new users of gold leaf find themselves experiencing. Now you know when to apply your gold leaf, which adhesive to use, and if a sealant is needed.

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