How To Use Gold Leaf - What Glue Is The Best?

1:45 - Testing PVA / 3:50 - Results
3:00 - Testing Quickie Glue Pen / 4:24 - Results
5:30 - Testing Glue Stick / 7:04 - Results
6:20 - Testing Adhesive Size / 8:48 - Results

9:40 - All 4 Glues Compared

I tested 4 different types of adhesive with gold leaf. This experiment was to find what was the best but also what glue can you use.

In the experiment we tested PVA, Quickie Glue Pen, Glue Stick and Adhesive Size (the stuff you are meant to use).

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GEAR USED:
Lens: 12-60 Kit Lens

[TheCraftydevilSpeaks]

I’m glad to see someone show that there are cheaper alternatives to the expensive gilding glue. If your working with genuine leaf, which is very expensive, then stick with the real deal for adhesive, but if your working with imitation leaf or guilding flakes, PVA tacky glue, DecoArt paint adhesion medium, or any water based glue that says “stays tacky” works depending on the surface it also has no odor which is why I don’t like the guilding glue. On glazed ceramics I prefer the DecoArt because it’s made for slick surfaces. On porous surfaces like unglazed ceramics, wood or canvas, I seal it first with slightly watered down gesso or acrylic paint (to heavy cream consistency)and apply as smoothly as possible. After the paint drys, If you still have brushstrokes showing, try gently rubbing them out with a piece of brown paper bag, then apply the tacky glue or medium. Some helpful suggestions: the smoother you apply the glue the smoother the finish. Use a dampened softer brush to apply the glue. If your surface is coarse and you want a smoother guild, water down some gesso a little and coat the surface to fill in the pores. Let that dry thoroughly first before applying the glue. Apply the glue thinly and smooth out as much as possible. If you want texture, use a coarser brush and the way you stroke the glue on is the way the guild will show it. When the glue is tacky, lay the foil on gently with a very soft brush as smoothly as possible starting from one end on over. Pat down gently and let it rest for a few minutes, then burnish gently with a soft brush until it shines up. Fill in gaps with the pieces. If the leaf won’t stick to spots, reapply a thin dot of glue, smooth out (ok to go over edge of a guided spot) and repeat the process. Tacky glue works, tacky medium works ( but a little hard to get a really smooth finish because it’s really thick which is ok if you want that look ie: stenciling or texturizing) spray adhesive works but does smell significantly and needs to be sprayed in a well ventilated area for large projects. For small hard surface projects I use clear nail polish to top coat, other small surfaces I use Ranger Glossy Accents or DecoArt DuraClear high gloss. Large projects like picture frames and outdoor signs I top coat with Varathane ultimate Spar Urethane which is UV protective, water based, seals out water, mold and mildew and is low odor. It also comes in satin or gloss and works really well for wood.

[kittyconnolly]

I use PVA watered down to a half and half mix, leave it to go tacky then place the leaf on, leave to let the leaf rest into the PVA, then brush for a smooth finish.

[laylael]

This was the perfect video to demonstrate exactly what I wanted to know. Without any crap in between. Thanks.

[edagroup]

Thankyou so much, better than the so called experts that just talked and talked and showed nothing.

[kathyvangogh]

For the kind of application you are doing I think you would be just as happy with imitation, gold leaf and spare yourself the expense of 23 or 24 karat gold as you’re using here. your video is super helpful for anyone that wants to play around with leaf, the elements you’re missing are raised gilding, water gilding, and topcoat. Obviously real gold will never tarnish so it does not require a topcoat but imitation gold leaf does require a topcoat. Additionally, the shine of the gold is very dependent on the absorbency of the surface you are gilding, and the adhesive you are using, and whether or not, you can polish it afterwards. If you do want to work with genuine gold leaf, I think you will be happy if you do just a little bit more investigation so that you can get the most brilliant glow from your gold. PS the leaf adhesive that you were using in your last sample is actually meant for imitation leaf. If you use a softer Brush, she will not get so many scratches in your gold.

[andreagossmann]

This was AWESOME! EXACTLY what I wanted to know! Simple and straightforward. I only want to add bits to collage, so no "professional" anything, just messing about so I didn't want/need to buy and special glues, you've shown me Incan just use what I have! Thanks!

[UYDesigns]

Thank you so much for this I thought I needed fancy glue for my gold leaf. Now that we have that sorted out I can get to work!

[michellegerber]

Thanks dude. After searching online almost 2 days i found you. and all my questions got answered. Great help. You are a real art Rockstar

[mpetersen]

A wonderful explanation...first time with gold leafing and glad to know I don’t have to spend a fortune on supplies! Thank you!😁

[craftinmom]

Thank you, exactly what I needed to know with out extra nonsense, cats walking across the surface and discussion about anything other than the glue and how it worked!

[mackenzydan]

Gold leaf adds a hint of glamour to anything it is applied to, whether that be a vase, picture frame, or furniture. To show you how to apply gold leaf. This is nice technique may be made on different surfaces.

[branchen]

Many years ago, I would use a picture frame (with glass), trace or draw a picture with ink on the smooth side of the glass. Then I would use an adhesive spay and either gold or silver leaf on top of it...made for some interesting decorative pictures. Using brown or blue inks also added to the flavor.

[jennyf]

Regarding the Sakura Quickie Glue pen - it can be used straight away as a normal glue but also will stay tacky once 'dry' like the gilding adhesive does. I use it to write or draw with and add the gold leaf much later

[novafalcosmith]

MOD POGE works well too
Put your gold or silver flakes on top of the mod poge and let sit for few mins and gently brush off

[lynnreynolds]

He should be using a makeup brush the brush he has it scratching up the gold dulling it out.

[ChangGoldLeaf]

Good video on the trying different adhesive types and how they should be applied very thinly.

[mariadelfino]

Any of the cheaper adhesives work if one wants to use for something temporary. But it's one thing to use it for that short-lived purpose, and another to use it for something that is archival. Sure they all seem to work. But the most expensive one intended for art and archival use is going to last longer, far more than when the rest gets subjected to temperature and humidity factors and the adhesive starts to get removed with time.

[Valerie-uwhz]

Thank you so much! I’ve been searching all of YouTube to find out what kind of glue to use! Exactly what I was looking for!

[Rageing]

I know this is an older video but just in case anyone was wondering why a lot of long time users use size especially in the automotive scene is simply the act of burnishing very large areas with a powered burnisher causes the leaf to lift from some glues.

[queenfajita]

Great to know. Gonna be using gold leaf for first time and was a bit nervous. Thanks