Gilding and gold leaf, laid by hand

Gold, silver and copper leaf

Gold leaf is real gold beaten until it is thinner than paper. Because gold does not tarnish, it keeps its warmth for generations. Silver leaf gives a cooler, brighter shine but darkens if it is left exposed, so it is sealed to keep it bright, or left to tone on purpose for an aged look. Copper leaf has a rich, rosy glow. There are also imitation metal leaves, sometimes called Dutch metal, which look similar for less money and are always sealed. We will explain the difference and help you choose for the look, the setting and the budget.

Water gilding and oil gilding

Water gilding is the most traditional method. The surface is built up with layers of gesso and a coloured clay called bole, the leaf is laid onto it with water, and it can then be burnished with a polished stone until it shines like solid metal. It is the method used for the finest frames and furniture.

Oil gilding lays the leaf onto a tacky adhesive called size. It cannot be burnished to the same mirror shine, but it is tougher and suits walls, ceilings, mouldings, signs and anything outdoors or handled often.

Which method we use depends on the object, where it is and how it will be used. Many projects use both.

Gilding in a scheme

A little gold goes a long way. Picking out the cornice in a dining room, a gilded ceiling rose above a chandelier, a gold leaf alcove behind a bed or a mural painted onto a gilded wall can lift a whole room. In restaurants, bars and hotels, gilded lettering and a gold leaf ceiling give a space its own identity. See more ideas on our bespoke feature walls page.