Looking to add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your furniture? Gold leafing might be just what you need! Gold leafing is a timeless art that can transform ordinary furniture into extraordinary pieces. Its luxurious shimmer adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, making any piece look like a treasure.
Whether applied to a small accent or a large surface, gold leafing creates a stunning visual impact that captivates the eye and elevates the overall aesthetic. Get ready to learn the step-by-step art of gold leafing.
The interior decorator found this amazing mirror in a consignment shop. It was the perfect style and fit for the space, but it felt like it was missing something. The wallpaper was lovely, but it needed a little pop of color to truly shine.
That’s when we had an idea. We decided to use brilliant white paint and gold leaf to give the mirror a sophisticated and elegant look. The white paint would complement the wallpaper beautifully, while the gold leaf would add a touch of luxury and glamour
Unfortunately, there was some damage to the mirror that I needed to repair first. The paint chipping off and it was pretty deep so I had to use some wood filler to level it out. I just used my fingers to apply the wood filler to the area and waited about 10 minutes for it to dry.
Once it was dry I used a medium grit sandpaper to smooth it out. And continued to lightly sand the entire mirror. Don’t skip this step, this is what they call creating “tooth” I will help the primer stick to the surface. If you skip this step and try and paint over it will scratch right off. Prep is the most important part of the job and 70% of the results.
Once it’s all sanded wipe it down and apply your primer I like using stix primer. It’s one of the best primers I found for painting furniture. Once the primer dries apply 2 coats of white satin paint. I used Bright white. What I love about this paint is it goes on like an oil-based paint but it’s water-based and it dries extremely hard. In my professional opinion, it’s the best paint on the market.
This round brush I’m using is the perfect size brush for small projects like this.
Here’s the fun part, applying the gold leaf. If you have never worked with gold leaf it’s a little tricky. It’s paper thin and tears easily so be extra careful removing it from the package.
The first step is to apply adhesive (also called size)apply the size evenly with a brush or roller, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow to dry until it becomes tacky. (usually about 30 minutes)
Then very carefully lay the gold leaf on the area you want to cover and using a soft brush gently smooth it on the surface. Use a dry brush to remove any excess pieces.
Once the gold leaf is applied and dried, seal it with a clear topcoat to protect the finish and prevent the gold leaf from tarnishing. Allow the sealant to dry before using or displaying furniture.
Keep in mind that working with gold leaf can be delicate, so it’s important to take your time and work carefully to achieve the desired results.
You know, when you add gold leafing to furniture, it can really make a statement! Whether you’re adding just a little touch or covering a larger area, it brings this amazing visual pop that’s hard to ignore. What’s neat is how it can bring out all the little details in your furniture, giving it this luxurious and grand look. It’s got such a rich history and adds a touch of elegance that’s hard to beat. If you’re looking to add a bit of luxury and sophistication to your decor, gold leafing is a classic choice that’s sure to impress!
When we finally finished, we stepped back to admire our work. The mirror looked stunning, reflecting the light in the most enchanting way. It had gone from being a simple mirror to a breathtaking piece that added a touch of elegance to the bathroom.
It just goes to show that with a little creativity and some gold leaf, you can truly transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
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XOXO
Cheryl
Here’s your Supply List:
- Sandpaper: https://amzn.to/3uP0uBA
- Gold Leaf: https://amzn.to/3wwgclx
- Size: https://amzn.to/4bTj1gy
- Top coat: https://amzn.to/49OVVG9
- Wood Filler: https://amzn.to/3SLsMEQ
- Primer: https://amzn.to/49s2ped
- White paint: https://amzn.to/3Iyt2Tj
- Soft gold leaf brush: https://amzn.to/3wDtZXn
- Round Brush: https://amzn.to/3wxMXyT
