The application of thin sheets of various metals, referred to as leaf, on a prepared surface is termed gilding. Precious leaf is gold or silver, and can be expensive.  Metal leaf is copper, aluminum, or an alloy of copper (90% copper, 10% zinc) referred to as “Dutch metal”. For the sake of clarity, “Dutch metal” will be referred to herein as “composition gold.”

Real gold leaf does not tarnish and is used when a highly polished and brilliant, durable surface is desired. The finishes shown here consist of real silver leaf and the common metals, (copper, aluminum, and composition gold.) Gilding is an art, not a science and many aspects of each process will vary.

Click on any of the following samples for more detail and a description.