How To Apply Gold Leaf To Upcycle Furniture

When it comes to decorating your home, there is something really special about filling a space with items that have been hand finished. Being able to add your personal touches can bring an area to life, which is highly rewarding. One of the ways of creating something completely unique is to add 24k gold leaf to pieces of furniture. 

Upcycling can be a great way of saving money, and it is more sustainable than purchasing something brand new. However, the main issue with using golf leaf for decor is that it can be a little tricky at first. If you want to customize your upcycled furniture, or include it in your next DIY project, this is a guide on how to apply gold leaf to certain items. 

Prepare The Area

First, you will need to check that the area has been prepared in the correct way. Most gold leaf companies include directions on how to apply to furniture, but it is worth taking the additional steps to prepare the surface in order to make the process easier. 

It is also important to correctly prepare the area for gold leaf so that the desired finish can be achieved, and to ensure that it lasts a long time. Upcycled furniture is more likely to have an uneven surface or some form of minor damage. 

Depending on the type of material your piece of furniture is made out of, you will need to use an appropriate cleaning agent to remove dirt, dust, and chipped paint. Consider sanding the surface if there are multiple layers of dried paint that you want to remove. 

Similarly, now is the time to carry out any necessary repairs on the item. This includes filling small holes if needed, removing old hardware to clean or replace, and taking a look at any hinges, legs, or anything that may be slightly faulty. 

Once you have done this, you can apply your chosen paint color after everything has fully dried. It may take several coats in order to achieve the intended finish. 

Test Your Gold Leaf

Another step that can make a considerable difference in your project is whether you choose to test out your gold leaf on a small area first. This is highly recommended, and it could be worth doing this on a section of the furniture which won’t be immediately noticeable. Some people do this on an area that will be facing the wall or a corner. 

Whatever you choose to do, you will need to carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions for your gold leaf. Practicing on a small section can allow you to figure out the best approach to gold leaf and ensure that you are slightly more comfortable using this material for decorating upcycled furniture. 

Using Adhesive

Similarly, the adhesive method can impact the longevity of your upcycle furniture. This is because it can show how long the gold leaf can be expected to stay intact for. There are a selection of different adhesive methods which are recommended for different furniture surfaces, and it could be worth taking a closer look into these.

Finding the right adhesive method should also be done using the recommendations according to the gold leaf manufacturer’s directions.

Smooth Everything Out

In addition, you will need to find the right method of smoothing out the surface when applying gold leaf. Using your hands can tarnish the surface slightly and cause it to break up. Consider the tools that are available to you, and which ones would be the best when you are practicing your application technique. 

Consider Sealing

Finally, sealing is not always necessary. Many people choose to leave their furniture that has been decorated with gold leaf more exposed, because of the shine that it achieves. In some cases, sealing a piece can make the gold leaf less impactful on the whole. 

However, sealing your upcycled furniture once everything has dried can make the overall finish last longer. It can also make the finish more resistant to changing temperatures, general wear and tear, and more. 

If your item will be placed in an area of your home that gets used frequently, then it is recommended that you apply a sealing agent. 

Summary

Upcycling furniture is a great way to save money and give certain pieces a new lease of life. Consider gold leaf to add a touch of luxury to your home, as well as creating something completely unique. Add gold leaf as a finishing touch during your next DIY project.