Elena Rossi
Gold leaf is a thin sheet of gold that can be applied to a painting to create a rich, warm glow. The technique has been used for centuries, dating back to ancient Egyptian times. Genuine gold leaf will not tarnish, whereas imitation gold leaf is thicker, less expensive, and will tarnish without a sealant due to its high copper content. There are two methods of application: water gilding, which is time-consuming and difficult, and adhesive, which is a simpler process that shows brush strokes and integrates better with a painting. When using the adhesive method, it is important to apply a light layer to avoid creating holes in the gold leaf. Artists should also be mindful of the type of paint used, as water-based acrylic can tarnish imitation gold leaf if applied over unsealed leaf.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gold leaf type | Real gold leaf, imitation gold leaf, variegated leaf, aluminium leaf, silver leaf |
| Gilding type | Water gilding, gilding using leaf size or adhesive |
| Adhesive | Pebeo gilding paste, acrylic gold size, varnish, paint |
| Varnish | Gloss varnish, matt varnish |
| Sealer | Goldens MSA with UVLs, shellac |
| Paint | Oil paint, acrylic paint |
| Canvas | Dark canvas, light canvas |
| Surface preparation | Sanding, applying gesso, painting a layer of acrylic paint |
| Application technique | Laying gold leaf flat, using a brush, patting motion |
| Drying time | Varies, depends on the adhesive and paint used |
| Gold leaf maintenance | Seal to prevent tarnishing, store leftover gold leaf between slip sheets or wax paper |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right gold leaf for your painting
Gold leaf has been used in art for centuries, dating back to ancient Egyptian times. Genuine gold leaf is made from real gold hammered into thin sheets, whereas imitation gold leaf is thicker, less expensive, and contains copper, which can cause tarnishing.
When choosing gold leaf for your painting, consider whether you want to use real or imitation gold leaf. Real gold leaf is more expensive but will not tarnish, whereas imitation gold leaf will require a varnish to prevent tarnishing and oxidation. If you are using imitation gold leaf, be sure to use a solvent-based varnish. You can also use other metal leaf types, such as copper or silver leaf.
Another consideration is the application method. There are two main ways to apply gold leaf: water gilding and using a leaf adhesive. Water gilding is more complicated and time-consuming but results in a perfectly smooth and glowing gold surface. This method is great for applying gold leaf to picture frames or other surfaces where the gold will be mostly uncovered and unpainted.
The leaf adhesive method, on the other hand, uses a water-based or solvent-based adhesive to attach the gold leaf to the surface. This method is better for integrating gold leaf into a painting, as it will show some brushstrokes and create a more cohesive look. If you plan to paint over the gold leaf, use an adhesive that is compatible with your chosen paint type (water-based for acrylic paint and oil-based for oil paint).
Additionally, consider the tools and techniques you will use to apply the gold leaf. You can use wax paper, regular paper, or a brush to apply the gold leaf. It is important to apply a light layer of adhesive and work quickly, as it will start to dry and become tacky after about 30 minutes. Gently lay the gold leaf over the adhesive, using a slip sheet for stability if needed, and use your fingers to burnish it onto the surface.
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Prepare the painting surface
Firstly, decide whether you will be using real gold leaf or imitation gold leaf. Real gold leaf is more expensive but will not tarnish, whereas imitation gold leaf is cheaper but will tarnish if not sealed properly.
If you are gilding on wood, lightly sand the surface first, apply gesso, and then paint a layer of acrylic paint onto the surface. If you are applying gold leaf directly to a naked canvas, you can skip the sealant step, but be aware that the base colour of the canvas will shine through the gold leaf.
If you are using imitation gold leaf, seal it with varnish before applying any paint on top. Oil paints will not tarnish the imitation gold leaf, but water-based acrylic paints will. If you are using acrylic paint, use water-based adhesive to attach the gold leaf. If you are using oil paint, use an oil-based adhesive.
If you are using real gold leaf, you do not need to varnish it, but you will need to use an adhesive. Water-based adhesives are best for acrylic paintings, whereas oil-based adhesives are better for oil paintings.
When applying the adhesive, remember to only use a thin layer, as too much will create holes in the gold leaf. Work quickly, as you only have about 30 minutes before the adhesive starts to dry. After applying the adhesive, immediately wash your brush in cool, soapy water. Wait about 5 minutes, until the adhesive loses its milky appearance, and then you can start applying the gold leaf.
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Apply the adhesive
When applying gold leaf to a painting, the adhesive is key. The right adhesive will depend on the type of gold leaf and paint you are using. For instance, if you are using imitation gold leaf on top of acrylic paint, you will need to use a water-based adhesive. Conversely, if you are using oil paints on a canvas, an oil-based adhesive is necessary.
If you are using imitation gold leaf, you can use a thin layer of varnish as an adhesive. However, you cannot use varnish on top of the gold leaf, as it will tarnish. If you are using real gold leaf, you will need to use an adhesive rather than varnish, as varnish is unnecessary and will tarnish the gold leaf.
There are two types of gilding: water gilding and gilding using an adhesive. Water gilding is more complicated and time-consuming, but it results in a perfectly smooth and glowing gold surface. This method is great for a picture frame, but it does not integrate well visually when used in a painting. The benefit of using an adhesive is that it will show some brush strokes, integrating better with the painting.
When applying the adhesive, it is important to use a light layer. If it is too wet, it will create holes in the gold leaf. You have about 30 minutes to work with the adhesive, so there is no need to rush. Apply the adhesive in the direction that works best for your painting. Just remember that wherever you put the adhesive, the gold will stick.
After applying the adhesive, immediately wash your brush in cool, soapy water. After about five minutes, when the adhesive loses its milky appearance, you can start applying the gold leaf.
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Varnish and sealing
Varnishing and sealing gold leaf paintings is crucial to protect the gold leaf from tarnishing and ensure the longevity of the artwork. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for this process:
Choosing the Right Varnish or Sealant:
Use a sealant specifically designed for gold leaf: It is essential to use a sealant or varnish formulated explicitly for gold leaf. Using the same brand of sealant as your gold leaf is recommended, as it ensures compatibility and reduces the risk of tarnishing. Avoid using water-based acrylic varnishes or sealants, as they can react with the metal and cause tarnishing.
Prepare the Painting Surface:
Allow adequate drying time: Before applying any varnish or sealant, ensure that both the gold leaf and the surrounding painting are completely dry. Give it enough time to ensure that all layers are dry to the touch.
Applying the Varnish or Sealant:
Work in thin layers: When applying the varnish or sealant, use a thin layer to avoid excessive dripping. Gently paint a smooth layer over the gold leaf areas, being careful not to apply too much pressure that could damage the delicate gold leaf. It's okay if the sealant overlaps slightly onto the painted areas.
Drying and Curing:
Allow adequate drying time for the sealant: After applying the sealant, give it enough time to dry and cure. This process may vary depending on the product used, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Some sealants may require a permanent seal coat to be applied after the initial coat has dried.
Additional Tips:
Protect surrounding areas: When working with varnish or sealant, be cautious and protect the surrounding areas of the painting that you don't want to be varnished. Use a flat brush for precision and avoid over-applying the product.
Varnishing Imitation Gold Leaf:
Use a gloss varnish: When working with imitation gold leaf, always use a gloss varnish instead of a matt varnish to maintain the glossy shine of the gold. Be selective with the varnish brand, as some products can tarnish the gold and turn it orange or peach.
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Removing excess leaf
Removing excess gold leaf from a painting requires careful attention to ensure the painting is not damaged. Here is a detailed guide:
Firstly, it is important to allow the gold leaf and adhesive to dry completely. This is crucial as it ensures that the gold leaf that you intend to keep adheres properly to the painting, while the excess can be removed without affecting the desired areas.
Once everything is dry, use a soft brush with gentle strokes to sweep away the excess gold leaf. A large, soft mop brush is ideal for this purpose, as it will help ensure you do not apply too much pressure and risk damaging the painting. Brush the excess gold leaf flakes gently, and they should come off without leaving any marks.
It is normal to have tiny particles of gold leaf remaining on the painting after the initial removal process. To address this, take a damp, soft cloth and carefully wipe down the surface to remove these particles. Follow this step with a dry cloth to ensure the painting is dry before proceeding further.
To protect the gold leaf that you want to retain, apply a sealer with a flat brush. This step is crucial because without a sealer, the gold leaf will tarnish over time, losing its lustre and becoming dull and dark.
If you are working on removing gold leaf from a painted canvas, the process becomes more intricate. In this case, it is recommended to use a sanding block to gently scrape off the gold leaf. The key is to be as gentle as possible to avoid damaging the paint underneath. After removing the gold leaf, use a Q-tip to apply a small amount of new varnish to the scraped area and then wipe off any excess.
For more complex scenarios, such as removing gold leaf from a varnished painting, it may be necessary to consult a professional art conservator. They will be able to advise on the best approach to ensure the painting is not damaged in the process.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two ways to apply gold leaf to a painting: using leaf adhesive or water gilding. The leaf adhesive method is easier and integrates better with a painting as it shows some brush strokes. The water gilding method is more complicated and time-consuming, but it results in a perfectly smooth glowing gold surface.
You can use either real gold leaf or imitation gold leaf. Real gold leaf is more expensive but will not tarnish. Imitation gold leaf is cheaper but will tarnish if not sealed.
You can use a gold leaf adhesive or a thin layer of paint or varnish. If you use paint or varnish as the adhesive, be aware that it may cause the gold leaf to tear more easily. You should also not use varnish on top of the gold leaf as it will tarnish.
First, apply a light layer of adhesive to the canvas. Then, lay the gold leaf down as flat as possible on top of the adhesive. You can use your fingers to rub and burnish the gold leaf onto the adhesive. Once the gold leaf and adhesive are dry, you can remove any excess gold leaf with a brush. Finally, apply a sealer to protect the gold leaf from tarnishing.
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