1000+ questions about gold, silver, and metal leaf; gilding supplies, tools, techniques; edibles; craftwork; and troubleshooting.
Yes, you can use gold leaf for that application when the surface is prepared correctly and the leaf, size, and protection match the project.
Gold leaf leather is edible only when sold as edible gold leaf or culinary gold.
Decorative gold leaf should not be used on food unless it is specifically sold for edible use. Use edible gold for cakes, sweets, drinks, and plated food.
Keep food products separate from decorative gilding materials. Do not put gilding size, sealer, craft foil, metal leaf, shop-handled leaf, or decorative surface products on food unless the product is specifically sold for edible use.
The surface determines the gilding system. Wood, frames, furniture, glass, walls, ceilings, metal, paper, leather, and exterior signs need different preparation, size, leaf, and protection.
Start by identifying surface and exposure, then clean and stabilize the substrate, smooth/seal/prime or ground as needed, choose the right leaf and format, apply the correct size, wait for tack, lay leaf, brush, burnish if appropriate, and seal only when required.
Wood is porous; frames may need gesso, bole, or water gilding; furniture needs wear planning; glass may require reverse-glass technique; metal needs cleaning/degreasing; walls and ceilings need coverage and access planning.