1000+ questions about gold, silver, and metal leaf; gilding supplies, tools, techniques; edibles; craftwork; and troubleshooting.
Gilding size is a gilding material or product form. The right choice depends on surface, exposure, color, format, and use.
Gilding size is the adhesive layer that holds leaf to a prepared surface.
Size is applied thinly and allowed to reach tack before leaf is laid. The correct tack window is critical: too wet can swallow or smear the leaf, while too dry can cause poor adhesion, holidays, or lifting.
Different sizes are used for different systems, surfaces, and working times. Oil gilding, water gilding, glass work, exterior signs, furniture, and craft leaf do not all use the same adhesive strategy.
Datasheets • 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.