Lesson 1Properties of genuine gold leaf: karat, microns, color stability, and handlingStudy how karat, thickness, and mix in genuine gold leaf affect color, bendability, and resistance to tarnish, and learn right ways to handle, store, and cut it to avoid waste, damage, and bad spots on surface.
Karat ratings and alloy metal proportionsMicron thickness and mechanical strengthColor stability and tarnish resistanceHandling loose leaf on cushion and tipStorage, transport, and contamination risksLesson 2Gold leaf thickness and nomenclature (e.g., 23k, 24k, loose leaf sizes, micron ratings)Clear up how karat marks, leaf types, and micron numbers connect to purity, lasting power, and how it feel to work with. Learn to read maker charts so you match leaf type and thickness to project needs and your pocket.
Reading karat marks and purity standardsLoose leaf book sizes and sheet layoutTransfer leaf formats and backing papersMicron ratings and wear resistanceSelecting leaf type for project demandsLesson 3Surface substrates: wood panel, MDF, gessoed board, prepared masonite — pros and consCheck wood, MDF, gessoed boards, and masonite as bases for gilding, thinking about movement, soaking up, and prep needs, so you pick and seal bases that hold strong and stop cracking, lifting, or color change.
Solid wood panels and seasonal movementMDF boards, density, and edge sealingGessoed panels for fine art gildingMasonite and hardboard preparation stepsPrimers, sealers, and barrier coatsLesson 4Types of size (adhesive): oil size formulations, water-based sizes, and modern synthetic sizesLook into oil, water-based, and fake sizes, their working time, shine, and fit with different leaves and bases, and learn to test stickiness, control drying, and dodge common stick-fail or print-through problems.
Oil size open time and curing stagesWater-based size behavior and limitsModern acrylic and synthetic size optionsTesting for proper tack before laying leafCommon adhesion and print-through problemsLesson 5Imitation leaf varieties: composition, cost, durability, and when to useCompare usual fake leaf mixes, their look, cost, and how they age, and learn when money, place, or design make them better or risky instead of real gold for inside, outside, or short-time jobs.
Copper, brass, and aluminum compositionsVisual differences versus genuine goldOxidation, sealing, and long-term agingCost planning for large surface projectsChoosing imitation leaf for specific contextsLesson 6Transfer leaf vs loose leaf: advantages, limitations, and handling differencesCompare transfer and loose leaf for control, speed, and surface quality. Learn when each one shine, how to change method for flat or carved work, and cut down waste, folds, and extra gilding.
How transfer leaf is manufacturedAdvantages on flat and vertical surfacesLoose leaf for carved and delicate detailsTechnique changes between the two formatsAvoiding waste, overlap, and stuck backingLesson 7Tools and consumables: gilder's tip, cushion, knives, brushes, transfer paper, cotton glovesKnow and use right the key gilding tools and things like tips, cushions, knives, brushes, and gloves, and learn care routines to keep edges sharp, hairs clean, and surfaces free from dust and oils.
Gilder’s cushion, knife, and cutting techniqueGilder’s tip loading and leaf transferSoft brushes for skewings and finishingTransfer paper and masking materialsGloves, dust control, and tool careLesson 8Traditional bole and its formulations: clay bole, color choices, and effect on warmthUnderstand bole, how clay, glue, and color mix, and how colors affect warmth, shine-back, and polish. Learn mixing, putting on, and sanding to make smooth, good grounds for water gilding.
Components of traditional clay boleMixing bole with glue to usable consistencyApplying and leveling bole layersColor selection for tonal warmth controlBurnishing response and surface sheen
