How to Coat Something With Gold

Humans have long been attracted to the natural luster of gold.

All that glitters can be gold through the process of "gilding," which coats regular items such as metal or stone with shimmering gold material. Gilding dates back to 2300 B.C., when artisans made ordinary objects more desirable by pounding out gold into thin sheets and applying the subsequent gold leaf onto their goods. In modern times, anyone can use similar techniques to spruce up a picture frame or even dress up an ordinary rock to look like a valuable gold nugget.

Things You'll Need

• Gold leaf
• Brushes
• Sponges
• Sandpaper
• Primer/sealant
• Gold size
• Scissors
• Gilder's brush
• Spatula
• Shellac

Instructions

1. Clean your work area thoroughly. Even a minor amount of dust can affect your gilding process. Close off all drafts and make sure your instruments are close at hand.

2. Prepare the object to be gilded. If it's a wooden object, sand it down and make it smooth, brushing away all the dust particles when you're finished. If it's a stone, clean it thoroughly to remove all dust and make it as smooth as possible.

3. Apply a sealant or primer to prepare the surface of your object. Let it dry completely before continuing. If using a color underneath the leaf, such as on a picture frame, paint the surface and allow it to dry.

4. Apply the gold size, or adhesive, completely over your object. As it dries, it will become tacky enough to adhere to your gold leaf. You don't have to worry about rushing this step, as the size will remain sticky enough to bond with the leaf long after it dries. Make sure there are no obvious wet spots before proceeding.

5. Cut the leaf to the size needed to cover your object. Place the object on the leaf directly or use a brush to pick up the leaf and apply it to the object with a gilder's brush. You also may use a spatula to form the leaf to your object.

6. Smooth down the leaf by patting with a sponge and periodically brush away any loose particles. Overlap leaf as necessary to cover the entire object.

7. Let the object set for a day or two. If desired, apply a thin layer of protective shellac.

References

• Utrechtart Learning Center: Gilding: A Brief History