When you are invited for any event especially when it comes to traditional functions such as weddings, house warming ceremony, etc. you will be confused on to what to gift. You might be thinking of gifting something huge, and precious. For close relatives, you might also want to buy gold but it’s too pricey.

In that case, you can find an alternative gift that resembles gold but is actually not! Gold leaf is one such option where the materials are decorated that gives a gold look and feel. Additionally, it also gives a classy look yet affordable. 

What is Gold Leaf?

In many decoration materials, especially in ancient cultures, gold leaves are used. The process of applying fine gold powder on hard surfaces such as metals to give the shiny gold feel is called as gilding. The gold powder that is used is popularly known as gold leaf. The different shade effects of gold are created by the addition of alloys in the production process. The most common types of the gold lead include Silver – gilt where the base metal is silver. Some of the most common gilded antiques on the market include antique gold leaf mirrors, gold leaf pottery and china, and gold-embroidered textiles.

Gold Plating versus Gold Leafing

Gold Leafing and Gold Plating sound similar as they have common features but are different in terms of use, materials used and durability.

The use of gold plating or gold leaf depends on the item. In olden days, the process of gold leafing was done manually in a slow way and it was an arduous task. But the process of converting precious metals such as gold to thin leaves are now handled easily by machines which guarantee quality and product consistency.

Types of Leaf

Gold leaf is sold in booklets (80 x 80mm) of 25 leaves, separated by tissue paper, in both loose leaf and transfer leaf. It is also sold in rolls of different widths. The Rolls are 20 metres in length.

1. Loose Leaf

Loose leaves are extremely thin leaves of gold sitting between thin roughed tissue paper. Each leaf has to be fitted with a gilder’s tip without disturbing the next leaf as it will easily tear. The size of the loose gold leaf is 3-1/8" x 3-1/8". A book of gold leaf loose contains 25 leaves, a pack contains 20 books or 500 leaves. A book covers 2 square feet; a pack covers 40 square feet.

Uses –

For minute detailed work or for cracks and crevices, loose leaves are used. It is placed to gild onto molded and embellished areas where the gold is required to sit. Loose leaf is also used for water gilding and in glassware.

Candle

Mirror Frame

2. Transfer Leaf

Transfer leaf is the same as loose leaf but it is much easier to handle. The leaf is bound to a tissue paper by pressure. The size of gold leaf transfer is 3-3/8" x 3-3/8". A book contains 25 leaves, a pack contains 20 books or 500 leaves. A book covers 1.5 square feet; a pack covers 31 square feet.

Uses –

A classy touch can be given to your walls and ceilings using Gold Leaf. Having a smooth surface without any marks or scratches is preferable for applying gold transfer leaf. The leaf is applied in a regular pattern across the area without any gaps.  Gold Leaf Transfer is used for sign work and for gilding outdoors.

Walls

Ceiling

To decorate your home interiors and outdoor, you would have now got a clear picture on which type of gold leaf is used where and how. To get the best look and finish, approach the professional Gold and Silver Leafing designers for a stylish and elegant look!