Gold Leaf
Choose the right metal leaf for your project, budget, and finish quality
This page is the material decision center for GildedPlanet. It should help users quickly understand the difference between genuine and imitation leaf, transfer and loose leaf, and the best path for beginners, decorative work, premium interiors, glass gilding, exterior gilding, and restoration.
Choose the right packaging solution
Gold Leaf Packs - 500 lvs.
Gold Leaf Books - 25 lvs.
Gold Leaf Rolls
Gold Leaf Kits
Gold Powder
Gold Foil
Choose the right karat level for your project
24kt
23.75kt
23.5kt
23kt
23kt Red
22.5kt Champagne
22kt Rose
22kt
22kt Moon
22kt French Pale
20kt Caplain
18kt Lemon
16kt Pale
13.25kt White
12kt White
6kt White
At-a-Glance Comparison
Genuine Gold
Best for premium and long-term work. 23kt or higher gold does not tarnish, making it the correct choice for exterior gilding, restoration, sacred art, and high-end interiors where durability and permanence are essential.
Imitation Leaf
Best for decorative projects, cost-sensitive work, and practice. It offers flexibility for experimentation and larger coverage, but must be sealed with a clear coat to prevent oxidation and maintain appearance.
Transfer vs Loose
Loose leaf is handled with a gilder’s tip and allows maximum control for detailed work. Transfer (patent) leaf is mounted on tissue, making it easier to apply and essential for outdoor conditions or situations where loose leaf would be difficult to manage.
Shop by Project
Glass Gilding
Reverse gilding, verre églomisé, signage, and decorative glass work.
Exterior Gilding
Built for durability, using genuine gold and oil-based systems for long-term outdoor performance.
Frames & Furniture
A perfect place to start—high visual impact, approachable techniques, and strong project results.
Sign Gilding
Traditional techniques for lettering, glass, and dimensional signage with lasting impact.
Sculpture
Sculpture is a powerful use of gilding, where gold and metal leaf catch light across form to create depth and definition beyond paint.
Restoration
For restoration work where genuine gold, durability, and precise technique are essential.
Best for Beginners
If you are new to gilding, start with a kit or a beginner-friendly material path. Transfer leaf and lower-cost decorative options are usually the easiest entry points.
Best for Premium Work
Use genuine gold for projects where durability, prestige, and permanence matter most, including premium interiors, sacred art, and restoration.
Need Full Catalog Access?
If you already know the karat, format, or product line you want, go directly into the full product catalog and browse by category.
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