How Do You Apply Gold Leaf to Painted Wood?

Applying gold leaf to painted wood involves several steps to ensure a beautiful and lasting finish. Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Prepare the Wood Surface

Cleaning: Start by thoroughly cleaning the painted wood surface to remove any dust, dirt, grease, or wax. Use a mild detergent and water solution, followed by a clean water rinse.
Sanding (if needed): If the paint is uneven, chipped, or glossy, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit or higher) to create a smooth and slightly textured surface for better adhesion.
Repairing Imperfections: Fill any holes or cracks with wood filler. Let the filler dry completely, then sand it smooth and flush with the surrounding surface.
Sealing (optional): If the existing paint is porous or unevenly absorbent, apply a thin coat of sealant or primer to create a uniform base for the adhesive. Let it dry completely.

Use painter's tape to carefully mask off any areas you don't want to be gilded. Ensure the tape is firmly pressed down to prevent adhesive or gold leaf from seeping underneath.

Choosing the Right Size: Select an appropriate adhesive size specifically designed for gold leaf application. Water-based sizes are generally easier to work with and clean up. Oil-based sizes provide a longer open time and are suitable for more intricate designs.
Application: Apply a thin, even coat of the adhesive size to the areas you want to gild. Use a soft brush (like a gilding brush or a fine artist's brush). Avoid applying too much size, as it can create a messy finish.
Drying Time: Allow the adhesive size to dry to the proper tack. This is a crucial step. The size should be tacky enough to hold the gold leaf but not so wet that it slides around or so dry that it doesn't adhere. The drying time varies depending on the type of size and environmental conditions (temperature and humidity). Follow the manufacturer's instructions. A good test is to gently touch the size with your knuckle; it should feel slightly sticky.

Handling Gold Leaf: Gold leaf is extremely delicate. Handle it carefully to avoid tearing or creasing. Use a gilder's tip (a flat brush) or a soft, dry brush to pick up and transfer the gold leaf sheets.
Placement: Gently lay the gold leaf sheet over the sized area. Overlap each sheet slightly to ensure complete coverage.
Tamping: Use a cotton ball or a soft, clean cloth to gently tamp down the gold leaf and ensure it adheres to the adhesive size. Press lightly and evenly to avoid tearing the leaf.

Brushing Away: After the gold leaf has adhered to the size, use a soft gilding brush or a squirrel-hair brush to gently brush away the excess gold leaf (also known as "skewings"). Collect the skewings for future use or recycling.
Patching: If there are any gaps or missed spots, apply small pieces of gold leaf to those areas using the same process.

If desired, you can burnish the gold leaf surface to create a smoother, shinier finish. Use a burnishing tool (agate burnisher) and apply light pressure in a consistent direction. Be careful not to scratch the gold leaf. Burnishing is typically done when using oil-based size after a longer drying time.

Choosing a Sealant: Apply a protective sealant to the gold leaf surface to prevent tarnishing and scratching. Use a sealant specifically designed for gold leaf. Water-based sealants are usually recommended.
Application: Apply a thin, even coat of sealant using a soft brush or spray gun. Avoid applying too much sealant, as it can dull the gold leaf. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying time.
Multiple Coats: Consider applying multiple thin coats of sealant for added protection, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

By following these steps carefully, you can successfully apply gold leaf to painted wood and create a beautiful, professional-looking finish.