1000+ questions about gold, silver, and metal leaf; gilding supplies, tools, techniques; edibles; craftwork; and troubleshooting.
Yes, you can use gold leaf for that application when the surface is prepared correctly and the leaf, size, and protection match the project.
Yes, metal can be gold leafed when the surface is clean, stable, and compatible with the gilding system.
Do not leaf over rust, oxidation, wax, grease, loose paint, or unstable coatings. Proper prep may include cleaning, sanding, degreasing, priming, or isolating the metal before applying size.
Use the project type to choose leaf and finish. Decorative indoor metal, exterior signs, sculpture, hardware, and restoration work each have different durability and appearance requirements.
The surface determines the gilding system. Wood, frames, furniture, glass, walls, ceilings, metal, paper, leather, and exterior signs need different preparation, size, leaf, and protection.
Start by identifying surface and exposure, then clean and stabilize the substrate, smooth/seal/prime or ground as needed, choose the right leaf and format, apply the correct size, wait for tack, lay leaf, brush, burnish if appropriate, and seal only when required.
Wood is porous; frames may need gesso, bole, or water gilding; furniture needs wear planning; glass may require reverse-glass technique; metal needs cleaning/degreasing; walls and ceilings need coverage and access planning.