How to Gold Leaf

Simple, step-by-step gold leafing tutorials for indoor & outdoor projects

Discover the essential techniques needed to successfully apply gold leaf to nearly any surface. Our easy-to-follow tutorials guide you through each stage of the gilding process—from surface preparation and sizing selection to leaf application, burnishing, and sealing—so you can achieve professional-quality results with confidence.

Whether you’re working on fine art, frames, furniture, signage, architectural details, or exterior elements, gold leaf offers unmatched brilliance and durability. Learn how to choose the correct adhesive size based on your project requirements, environment, and experience level, ensuring the best bond and long-lasting finish.

Designed for beginners and professionals alike, these tutorials provide practical tips, product recommendations, and proven methods to help you work efficiently while avoiding common mistakes.

Digital images of metal leaf are representational only. Color and appearance may vary depending on lighting, surface preparation, and application method.

Oil size method - solvent based adhesive size

For interior and exterior applications

Using waterbased adhisive for apply gold leaf

Water size method - Water based adhesive size

For interior application only.

Genuine Gold Leaf Color Chart

Featured Product

Gilding Kits

Starter Kits, Project kits and Professional gilding kits: Complete gilding kits for the beginner to professional.

Starter Gilder's kit - Water Based - Includes all the tools and materials to apply Imitation Gold, Imitation Silver or Copper Leaf. Contains: step-by-step instructions, book of metal leaf, Aquasize (waterbased adhesive size), natural hair brush, cotton and mixing sticks, wet/dry paper. Water-based.

Project Gilder's kit - Oil Based - Includes all the tools and materials to apply Imitation Gold, Imitation Silver or Copper Leaf. Contains: step-by-step instructions, book of metal leaf, Dux Quick Dry Oil Size (oilbased adhesive size), yellow/ochre oil based Gilding Primer, Acrylic Top Coat Sealer, natural hair brush, cotton and mixing sticks, wet/dry paper. Solvent-based.

Professional Gilder's Kit - Oil Based - Includes step-by-step instructions, book Genuine 23kt Gold Leaf book (Patent leaf), yellow/ochre oil based Gilding Primer, natural hair brush, oil based gilding size, Acrylic Top Coat Sealer, cotton and mixing sticks, wet/dry paper and book of leaf. Solvent-based.

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Special Feature - Water Size Technique

Learn this water based Imitation Silver leafing technique now

Size refers to the adhesive material used to adhere gold, Silver, copper or metal leaf to the surface being gilded. There are different forms of size depending on the gilding method; oil based, water based and 'water gilding'. Gilding with water based adhesives should not be confused with traditional water gilding methods or the Kolner Water Gilding System. Water based adhesives form a tacky surface gluing the leaf to the surface and are not burnishable.

Aqua Size and Wunda Size are popular water based sizes and serve as an alternative to oil size for interior projects. Both have an extremely long tack time making it suitable for large scale interior projects or production gilding in manufacturing plants. Aqua Size and Wunda Size are most appropriate when used to gild with metal leaf, but will produce acceptable results with genuine gold. Porous surfaces should be sealed with A primer prior to sizing. Aqua and Wunda Size are for interior use only. Clean up as soon as possible with water or acetone.

Oil Gilding Video Tutorial

Quick Dry oil size gilding. This detailed demonstration shows you how to apply genuine gold, Silver, imitation gold, aluminum and copper leaf to objects and furniture using the classic 3 hour oil size method. Brought to you by the folks at gildedplanet.com, you'll learn about types of adhesive, testing for 'tack' and drying rates, easy leaf application tips and cleaning and burnishing the leaf.