How to Clean Gold Leaf

Gold leaf - also known as "gilding" - has been used throughout history to decorate a variety of items, from furniture to books to picture frames. Gold leaf can be quite unstable, so handle with care, especially if you are dealing with an antique.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Denatured Alcohol
• chamois
• soft cloth or brush

1. Check the condition of the item you wish to clean. If the gilded finish is flaking or cracking, do not attempt to clean it. A professional conservator should be consulted. (Look in the Yellow Pages under Antiques--Restoration and Preservation.)

2. Use a very soft natural brush, a feather duster or soft cloth to gently dust or wipe the item. Do not rub. Since most gold leaf has a sealant over it, this is often all that is needed.

3. Wash china with gold leaf by hand, using a mild dish detergent.

4. Clean books with gold leaf by gently dusting with a soft cloth.

5. Use a chamois cloth lightly moistened with denatured alcohol to clean gilded glass. Wipe carefully and buff dry with a soft, dry cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• To keep body oil from staining gold leaf, use gloves when handling the item.
• Gold leaf does not tarnish.
• If you are dealing with an antique, rigorous cleaning or use of commercial cleaning products on gold leaf can negatively affect the value of the item. Speak to a conservator before trying to clean any antique item that is adorned with gold leaf.
• Keep gold leaf items away from excessive heat and humidity, which can damage the gilding.

[ellismill]

on 8/12/2008 We have a gilded chinese screen that has a large amount of gilding. Upon moving it around, I have mangaged to touch a few places with my ungloved hands.
How can I remove my prints and smudges safely.
Worried,
Steven

[ellismill]

on 8/12/2008 We have a gilded chinese screen that has a large amount of gold leaf decorating it. Accidently in moving it around I have touched it with my hands and left finger prints. Is it possible to clean the print marks off and if so what procedure do I need to know?
My email is: [e-mail]
Worried,
Steven