How to Gold Leaf a Tabletop

Gold leaf will transform any tabletop into a regal surface fit for a queen. There are many different kinds of leaf - tissue-thin sheets of metal - that you can purchase at art supply and craft stores, including silver leaf, bronze leaf and copper leaf.

Instructions

1

Prepare the tabletop: Strip and sand (if necessary) and clean.

2

Brush on a gold leaf size - the adhesive coating that the leaf will stick to. Make sure to read the label, especially in regards to timing.

3

Wait for the appropriate amount of time.

4

Lay the sheets of leaf carefully onto the size - metal side down - and slide the backing off, beginning at one end of the table and working your way to the other. (They're fragile and small - large sheets would be impossible.) The sheets should overlap slightly; the loose edges will be brushed off so that you end up with a single layer.

5

Wait about an hour to allow the leaf to adhere fully.

6

Brush the leaf smooth with a soft brush and remove any excess leaf (blowing is the easiest way to do this).

7

Wait 24 hours.

8

Seal the top with polyurethane.