How to apply gold leaf

How to apply gold leaf

Add a little sparkle to your craft projects? Gold leaf is super versatile; you can use it on Christmas ornaments, clay creations, furniture, picture frames... the works.

In this tutorial, I'll be adding gold leaf to a paper mâché bauble that I painted with acrylic paints to give it that extra sparkle when it's hanging on the tree.

What you'll need:

  • Gold Leaf Trio (Magic Art Adhesive, Leaf and Varnish)
  • Paintbrush
  • Project to gold leaf... try something from here!
  • Soft, lint-free cloth

How to do it:

Step 1: Apply adhesive

Magic Art Gold Leaf is really simple to use. Apply a thin layer of adhesive onto the project using a paintbrush. Let the gold leaf adhesive sit for 20 minutes until tacky.

*If you're adding gold leaf to a really absorbent surface, apply a second coat of adhesive and wait another 20 minutes.* 

An old egg carton works perfectly if you're apply gold leaf to round objects, like these paper mâché baubles.

 Apply the gold leaf adhesive

Step 2: Place foil

Place the foil onto the coated area and press down on it with a clean, dry cloth.

Gently wipe away any excess metal with a soft cloth or dry brush.

 apply foil to bauble

Step 3: Varnish

Apply Magic Art Coating Varnish to protect the surface from drying out & sealing the gold leaf in. This coating is quite runny, so apply a thin layer to avoid drips of varnish down the sides of your project. It gives a nice glossy finish to projects.

Apply gold leaf varnish

Ta-da! Look at that gorgeous golden project you've just made! 😍

No go forth, and add golden accents to all your Christmas crafting.

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