1000+ questions about gold, silver, and metal leaf; gilding supplies, tools, techniques; edibles; craftwork; and troubleshooting.
The adhesive for gold foil is usually gilding size. Choose size by surface, leaf type, exposure, tack time, and finish.
Foil adhesive and sealer choices depend on the foil type and surface.
Hot-glass foil, paper craft foil, edible foil, and decorative foil use different methods. Identify the product before choosing size, adhesive, pressure, heat, or sealer.
Tack timing and compatibility matter. Too wet can drown, wrinkle, or smear leaf; too dry can weaken adhesion. Silver, imitation metal leaf, copper-alloy leaf, and many foil effects often need protection, while high-karat genuine gold may not need the same sealing approach.
Datasheets • Products • Supplies • Tools
Gold leaf adhesive is called gilding size. The correct size, sealer, bole, and tools depend on surface, leaf type, technique, exposure, and desired finish.
Gilding size is the tacky adhesive layer used to attach gold leaf, silver leaf, palladium, platinum, metal leaf, or foil to a prepared surface. Ordinary glue is not a substitute. Tack timing matters: too wet can drown or smear leaf; too dry can fail to bond.
Silver and imitation/metal leaf often need sealing because tarnish or discoloration is a risk. Tools such as a gilder’s tip, knife, cushion, brushes, mops, burnishers, and pads affect results.