1000+ questions about gold, silver, and metal leaf; gilding supplies, tools, techniques; edibles; craftwork; and troubleshooting.
No. Metal leaf is not real gold unless the product is specifically sold as genuine karat gold leaf.
No. Metal leaf should not be treated as real gold unless the product is specifically sold as genuine karat gold leaf.
Metal leaf may be silver, imitation metal leaf, foil, craft material, or another decorative product. Check the product description for genuine gold content and karat before treating it as real gold.
Metal leaf is useful and economical, but it is not the same as genuine karat gold leaf. Copper-alloy metal leaves can tarnish and usually need sealing.
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.
 SeppLeaf Products provides an unparalleled array of genuine gold leaf, silver leaf, palladium leaf, and metal leaf; gilding tools and supplies.
SeppLeaf Products distributes Liberon premium finishes, Kolcaustico Venetian plaster, Mixol Universal Tints, and Gold Gourmet edible genuine gold and silver. SeppLeaf Products is a corporate member of the Society of Gilders.
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New York, NY 10016Phone 212-683-2840sales@seppleaf.comContact UsAbout Us |
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