How to apply Gold Leaf
2023-06-17

How to apply Gold Leaf

Prepare the Glue: Use glue in granules or pieces. Add approximately 100 grams of glue per liter of water. Stir the mixture until it boils to obtain a liquid adhesive substance
Allow it to cool before use

Prepare the Red Oxide Material: Grind the red oxide material & add it to the prepared glue and stir. This material is used because the iron in its components helps in polishing and shining the gold leaf, as well as providing uniformity and cohesion

After lining the surface, use 120-grit sandpaper to obtain a burr-free surface. For smoothing the surface, use 320-grit sandpaper. The final sanding process should be done with 500-grit sandpaper to achieve a very smooth, scratch-free surface

Clean the surface from dust Before gilding, use red oxide or a desired colorant, after adding it to the glue. Be sure to filter it with a piece of gauze or cloth to remove any impurities

Cut the gold leaf, ensuring that the cutting is done in one direction without moving backward or forward, to prevent the paper from tearing

Use a brush to apply glue to the surface you want to gild with gold leaf. Then, immediately stick the gold leaf onto the quick-drying adhesive

Wait three hours after applying the gold leaf to allow the glue to dry
Use a brush pen to remove excess gold leaf, making sure that the brush is soft and smooth to avoid leaving scratches on the gold leaf

Use a burnisher to achieve a shiny and attractive appearance by burnishing with it

Age the gold leaf using shellac

By the end of these steps, you will achieve a beautifully gilded and attractive surface