Lesson 1Properties of genuine gold leaf: karat, microns, colour stability, and handlingLearn how karat, thickness, and mix of metals affect colour, bendability, and rust resistance in real gold leaf, and proper ways to handle, store, and cut it to avoid waste, damage, and bad spots on the 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)Understand how karat marks, leaf types, and micron numbers link to purity, strength, and how it feels to work with. Learn to read maker's charts so you pick the right leaf type and thickness for your project and 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 out wood, MDF, gessoed boards, and masonite for gilding bases, thinking about movement, soaking up, and prep needs, so you choose and seal surfaces that hold strong and stop cracks, lifting, or colour 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 sticky time, shine, and match with different leaves and surfaces, and learn to test stickiness, control drying, and dodge common sticking fails or print-through.
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 common fake leaf mixes, their look, price, and how they age, and know when money, weather, or design makes them better or dodgy choices over real gold for inside, outside, or short 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 works best, how to change method for flat or carved jobs, and cut 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 gilding tools and bits, from tips and cushions to knives, brushes, and gloves, and learn care routines to keep blades sharp, hairs clean, and surfaces free of dust and grease.
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, colour choices, and effect on warmthKnow what bole is, how clay, glue, and colour mix, and how colour picks affect warmth, shine-back, and polish. Learn mixing, putting on, and sanding for 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
