1000+ questions about gold, silver, and metal leaf; gilding supplies, tools, techniques; edibles; craftwork; and troubleshooting.
Gold foil paper can mean decorative foil, edible foil, craft foil, or genuine leaf. The correct product depends on the intended use.
Gold foil paper can mean decorative foil, edible foil, craft foil, specialty metal foil, or a search term for leaf.
Foil is generally thicker or different in construction from traditional leaf. It may be used for hot glass, bead making, craft transfer, food decoration if edible, or specialty decorative effects.
Gold leaf and silver leaf are traditional gilding materials; foil is not automatically real gold, real silver, edible, or suitable for the same adhesive system.
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.