Covering church murals, lettering in books and historical art. Gilding (Gold gilding the most common and prime example) has been a revolutionary craft for generations.
Traditionally to produce a gilt, gold was beaten down into thin sheets and then applied onto the intended surface with a size adhesive. Over time oxidation causes the metal to tarnish prompting craftsmen to develop and use varnishes such as shellac to provide longevity to their works lifetime.
For beginners or artists coming back to the craft get started right away with our Gilding Kit which contains all the essential materials for gilding, with a booklet of 25 sheets of gold leaf, wax paper sheets which you use to transfer the leaf from the booklet, size to adhere the leaf to a surface and two different sized paintbrushes to wipe away excess. (An optional shellac varnish can be added to the kit)
We don’t stock genuine gold, but rather imitation gold made from brass alloyed with other metals to closely resemble gold. This brass alloy is the beaten using the same traditional process as genuine gold leaf, creating a similar appearance and effect to authentic gold leaf.
Alongside this imitation gold, we also have both copper and silver produced in a similar vein. The packs of 25 interleaved metal leaf sheets are available here.
With these imitation metal leaves, the price is reduced drastically making this craft easily accessible and affordable.
Gilding is an incredibly satisfying craft and far easier than you may think.