The silver, gold, copper and aluminum leaves allow you to create a gold or metallic-looking surface on wood and metal. There are several specific products that you will need to purchase to finish a piece of furniture covered in silver leaf. While it takes practice to properly apply and polish the leaf, you can acquire this skill even after working on a single project.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Purchase the Needed
Step 1. Look for an online store that sells DIY or construction materials to buy everything you'll need for your project
Step 2. Purchase a silver leaf booklet
You can find 50-page books as well as 500-page ones. For a small portion of the table or just for the horizontal plane you will need 50 pages, while for a large dresser you will need a larger book.
Step 3. If you want to save money, you can buy aluminum foil instead of silver
It costs a little less and has about the same effect: it allows you to get a silver and reflective surface.
Step 4. Decide if you want to cover the entire surface of the furniture with the leaf or if you want to paint part of it with silver spray paint
If there are hidden areas or legs that are difficult to cover, you can save some money and use silver spray paint, such as Rust-Oleum brand.
Step 5. Purchase a specific gilding glue (for example, a water or oil mission)
This will be the sticker with which you will attach the silver leaf. You will need natural bristle brushes to apply it.
Step 6. Purchase a primer or colored paint
If the silver leaf were to get damaged for some reason, the colored varnish would show underneath. If you have chosen to age a piece of furniture, try a brown paint or a gray primer so that any cracks are less visible.
Step 7. Buy large, soft-bristled brushes to polish the silver leaf
Step 8. Purchase some clear sealant
It can be lacquer or polyacrylic based, as long as it is transparent.
Part 2 of 4: Prepare the Cabinet
Step 1. If it flakes, peel the old paint off the cabinet
Apply a chemical solvent to a well-ventilated area. Spread the solvent over the entire surface using a brush and then scrape it off with a spatula.
Always wear protective clothing when working with solvents, such as rubber gloves, a mask, and a long-sleeved shirt
Step 2. Sand the surface of the cabinet
Start with a medium grit sandpaper to get rid of dents and scratches. Then, switch to a fine-grained one to smooth the surface.
Step 3. Clean the surface with a broom
Then, wipe with a dust cloth. Vacuum the dust off your work area before you start painting or applying the leaf.
Step 4. Paint the surface with a gray primer
If you are going to paint the furniture with brown paint, it is best to start with a coat of primer before applying the interior paint.
Step 5. Let the paint dry for at least a day before proceeding with the silver leaf application
Read the primer or paint instructions for drying times.
Part 3 of 4: Coat the Surface with the Silver Leaf
Step 1. Brush the surface of the cabinet with gilding glue
Read the instructions on the package to find out how long it takes for it to be the right consistency to roll out the leaf. It must dry slightly to achieve a sticky consistency.
- Start with a large flat surface, which will be easier to coat. Once this part is complete, you will be able to move on to more complex areas.
- Only spread the glue in the area that you can coat within an hour to an hour and a half. The adhesive will no longer be needed once it has dried.
- Set a timer to make sure you resume work as soon as the surface becomes sticky.
Step 2. Resume when the previously set time has elapsed
Move slowly when working with silver leaf, as it breaks easily and cannot be touched with bare hands.
Step 3. Hold the silver leaf booklet with the spine close to the palm of your hand
Peel off the tissue paper and turn it under the book to expose the first leaf.
Step 4. Place your hand with the leaf on one of the corners of the surface on which you spread the glue
Move your hand and lightly press the leaf on the dresser. This will immediately stick to the glue, so you won't need to press hard.
Step 5. Lift your hand and move on to the next leaf
Place your hand on the area next to the one you just coated. Place the leaf so that it overlaps the first by at least 0.5 cm.
You will remove the excess parts later
Step 6. Continue like this, placing silver leaves over the entire surface of the cabinet within the glue drying time
Step 7. Take the brush with soft bristles and gently brush the surface
Pay particular attention to where the leaves overlap. Polishing will remove the excess leaf, although applying too much pressure could ruin the corners.
Step 8. Collect the excess leaf pieces and, with the brush, use them to cover any holes
Continue buffing until all the excess is removed. Either way, you will see the seams until you seal the surface.
You can also apply a silver finish paint to these areas before sealing to cover any exposed spots
Step 9. Repeat the same thing on the other side of the cabinet
Pay particular attention to the legs and drawers. In these places, it will be quite difficult to spread the leaf on the glue. Polish all of the furniture before applying the sealant.
If there are any areas that you want to spray paint, do so before spreading the leaf into adjacent areas so the paint has time to dry
Part 4 of 4: Sealing the Surface
Step 1. Choose a spray sealant, much easier to apply
You can also apply a layer of clear sealer using a soft-bristled brush.
Step 2. Apply the sealant according to the instructions on the package, but with gentle strokes
Let it dry. Then apply a second layer.
Step 3. Let it dry completely
Then replace the knobs, handles and other furniture elements.
