How to Handle Gold Leaf

Gold leaf is an art supply made from gold or imitation gold beaten into thin sheets. These sheets are most commonly used for gilding -- a process that gives sculptures, picture frames and even food products the appearance of being dipped in gold. Since gold leaf is thin and delicate, you will need to use a few special materials to handle it. Gilding supplies can be purchased at most large art supply stores.

• 1

  Place ½ tsp. pumice powder on your gilding cushion to make sure it is free of grease. Spread the pumice powder evenly on the cushion's surface with your gilding knife.

• 2

  Open your gold leaf book.

• 3

  Insert the blade of your gilding knife under one of the leaves. You can also use your bare hands, as long as they are completely clean and dry.

• 4

  Gently lift the gold leaf over to your gilder's cushion and lay it down flat, with the gold side down. Gently blow on the leaf to smooth out any wrinkles.

• 5

  Using your gilding knife, cut your leaf into pieces so they are the right size for your project.

• 6

  Put a small amount of petroleum jelly on the back of your hand, and evenly distribute it.

• 7

  Press a cotton ball onto the back of your hand.

• 8

  Use the greased cotton ball to pick up pieces of gold leaf and place them onto your work surface.

• 9

  Use a big soft-bristle brush to brush the gold leaf onto the surface you want to gild. Keep applying the pieces this way until your surface is completely covered.

• 10

  Go over the entire area with your brush to brush off the excess leaf.