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

Gold Leaf - amzn.to/2v5k5Km / ebay.to/2DfnJEB
Gold Leaf Adhesive - amzn.to/2hunIq3
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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[@laylael5106]

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

[@annemcginn1086]

I agree entirely

[@ettia.3916]

YES!!! To the point and info I needed.

[@antinaturaa]

Yes, samee

[@janewx1]

That’s definitely not real gold leaf. 100 pack will run you about $80

[@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.

[@sarahschwass8618]

If I wanted to write words on a dried acrylic pour, what would be the best adhesive for fine controlled writing using imitation gold leaf sheets?

[@TheCraftydevilSpeaks]

@@sarahschwass8618 I don’t know for sure because I have never tried it, so you will have to experiment a bit. My first go to product to try would be the Decoart medium for slick surfaces.

[@amandajones6481]

Dear CraftyDevil, thank you for sharing that information with us. I'm going to buy a bottle of the Deco Art glue, I've used other Deco Art products before and they're all really good. Do you know if the Deco Art Medium is available from Amazon? And, is it called Deco Art Medium or Deco Art Glue? Thanks again, love from Amanda Jones in Australia

[@paulwhite6322]

@@sarahschwass8618 a ZIG 2 way glue pen with fine tip will be perfect for lettering. I make fine gold lines on glazed ceramic pots. They also make a chiseled tip for thicker lines.

[@kittyconnolly1048]

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.

[@melissaschoon1532]

Ashley

[@melissaschoon1532]

Iza

[@melissaschoon1532]

Esther

[@davidbrunsdon6518]

Melissa

[@ixcharliq.-8762]

John

[@lynnreynolds905]

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

[@sharon94503]

The video is about the glue though, not finishing.

[@PSiLy-hn4xz]

I think he likes the roughness of it. Texture

[@edagroup]

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

[@Valerie-uw8hz]

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

[@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!

[@mpetersen2586]

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

[@epictho]

Awesome video explaining what I needed to know. I’ve found it so hard to find genuine information on what glue to use, thanks!!

[@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!

[@KitKatSukiKat]

Lol 😂

[@bellajade25]

THANK YOU for this video. I was having trouble getting my leafing to stay down, but no worries!💃🏾💃🏾

[@cup1207cake]

Trying out gold foil for the first time, this was a great video, thank you. For the explanations and demonstrations!

[@flgirl250]

Thank you very much! I’m a first time user for Gold Leaf.

[@mhooper12000]

Thank you for posting this! I wanted to just try out gold leafing to see if it’s something I like, but didn’t want to buy the glue in case I don’t care for it. I’ll give it a shot now with glue I’ve already got:)

[@branchen6299]

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.

[@bleugaze]

This video was so well put together and easy to watch. I learned everything I was trying to, thank you. Do you know which adhesive works best on glass?

[@queenfajita]

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

[@mackenzydan9279]

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.

[@andreagossmann1898]

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!

[@LycandaArt]

Lycandaart 1 second ago exactly what I needed to know. This video is perfect. Thank you

[@overlaygoldenhandmade2338]

I also like apply gold leaf for painting very much, your video is helpful for me. THANKS.

[@baribacco7914]

Great ! You've explained how to use gold leaf very well, your narration is friendly and not intimidating - Thank you

[@MsMarnz01]

Thank you, particularly helpful right now knowing I have the option to use whats already in the house

[@shaelynb3090]

Exactly what I was looking for!

[@nicolerihner5767]

Thank YOU for this great, informative, easy to watch tutorial⚜️

[@ThisDesignedThat]

thanks Nicole

[@jennyf7708]

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

[@gailbemrose248]

This was just what I was looking for, only have a little bit to do. Thanks

[@ferozadawood4424]

I found this VERY helpful. Thank you

[@apramla4603]

Really helpful vedio for beginners. Thank you so much for this vedio.

[@fatinjimmy]

Thank you! This helps! Definitely gonna get adhesive size glue for my upcoming gold project! It looks smooth and better! ❤️

[@ThisDesignedThat]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Rageing7]

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.

[@judichristopher4604]

WOW Great tutorial Thank you for sharing

[@DontLeaveMeLucile]

Right. Thanks for the brush cleaning montage. I'll go buy some adeshive glue.

[@michelledsouza7451]

This is a great video. I have a question. I tried sticking imitation gold leaf with a gel gloss medium and it stuck well, but I need to paint with acrylics on top (well some overlapping). I did a test and painted on top of the imitation and it looked fine. But I know they say you need to varnish it first. Any recommendations?

[@TheBettyBoopnl]

Thanks for the great video. What adhesive would you suggest for applying gold leaf to metal ?

[@Claire-77]

Thanks so much for this, all the information I needed and good examples, thankyou 👍🙏❤️

[@barbarajohansennewman6060]

Thank you! Nice instructive video.

[@sajidmehmood-wy2cn]

Thank you so much for this video! I mean you're going to be helping all us beginners with this in years to come. I'm watching this in 2019. And wow did this video helped me breath again. One question, can we use PVA method on canvas if we want to use gold leaf in a painting? Thanks again for such informative video.

[@jungsomewhat]

yes u can, water it down and sieve it.

[@sajidmehmood-wy2cn]

@@jungsomewhat yeah thanks. I've been experimenting. White glue works great with gold n silver leaves on canvas. Works brilliantly!

[@Creedy2009]

Thank you for your video it showed me that I can use different glues. However does the same apply to different surfaces? I’ve got two mirrors one has a plastic surround and one is brassy metal. I want to silver leaf both to make them match. Will the tacky school glue watered down work on those surfaces?

[@rbrojas2040]

Hi there, I want to gold-leaf some metallic buttons I bought from amazon. I want to use them for clothing so there will be some rubbing every time they're slipped through the button holes. Is there a way to seal it in place to make sure it doesn't rub off?

[@muffin1030]

Hi, what kind of metal leaf adhesive should I use for metal surfaces?

[@evansmungai6384]

Love this video. So informative and easy. I'm trying it today

[@ricg2005]

hi just finish watch your video. for car whats best glue to use? cannot easily remove by water

[@LolaBeM3]

Thanks for this video. Very helpful. 👍🏾

[@faydennison5142]

Thank you for doing this. Answered my questions

[@frmrhart5121]

This video was super helpful for me! Thank u so much

[@mdmamun-wj9sj]

awesome video. nice details about it and How To Use Gold Leaf

[@legendaryedu]

Does anyone know if i should spray fixative spray to my work before or after using gold leaf sheets?

[@AbdulAziz-cj4hg]

how do i reduce the seam for every sheet? i want it to be more seamless bacuse im going to use it as my painting background its about 100x70 cm surface and im sure if im not applying it correctly there will be some seam between every sheet. thankyouu in advance!

[@joeyoleary007]

What would the best glue for applying GL to a plastic action figure shield?

[@flgirl250]

Does the Mona Lisa glue dry to a flexible texture? I want to use it on tulle for a costume. Thanks!

[@shraddhamaniar1970]

Informative video Thank you so much.but i have a question. Can i use glue stick on canvas??

[@lindakirk698]

Excellent. But what would you use to seal this onto a craft project? I doing a project with paper napkins, shells & gold leaf.

[@henab765]

What’s best for using gold leaf/ imitation gold foil for jesmonite? And how would you use it?

[@PaulyPaulPaul]

Nice to discover your channel. I'm looking to use some gold leaf in a drawing, so your video was very helpful. I see the paper in the video was affected by the water in the glues. Have you tried using stone paper (manufactured from calcium carbonate bonded with high-density polyethylene)? It's unaffected by water.

[@ThisDesignedThat]

sounds very cool, will need to try this at some point

[@prettywalls4you137]

Hi, why is my gold leaf turning brass after I varnish it?

[@essyylump]

I like the demonstration, much better than the know it alls who just like the sound of their own voice.thank you 😉

[@drmariumtariq]

Can i use a mod podge glue ? And do i have to let it dry first ?

[@maudale]

Thank you for sharing! I am trying to recreate the cover of a manuscript/book with organic decorations/bas-relief, and it's difficult to know whether to use metallic acryllic paint, gold leaf, or another technique, in order to get a smooth surface? It seems gold leaf does have a texture to it, depending on the quality of the gold leaf, some cost £34 for one sheet, while others cost £8 for a large amount.

[@gila1959]

Thanx for sharing . How do you seal the gold leaf paintings ?

[@fitandstrongblueprint]

Great job. You've helped me a lot !!!

[@taniamcphelim6900]

Thank you for this video lm looking into using hold leaf lve never used it as yet

[@FEARLESSME-JoPaddy-]

Thanks for posting this! Very helpful*

[@chinesechance]

I love that you did this video! Thank you! 😊

[@distinctdesignsbytina3557]

Thank you so much for this video! It was super helpful.

[@taibahkhan6988]

Thank you so much for capturing this one... Time saver, money saver....!! All appreciations for you..!!

[@fishingforgolfballs]

Thank you for the great tutorial.

[@Broken2Bright]

Thank you for doing this even though it was 4y ago this was helpful for me I’m adding these to my wedding invites and the pen didn’t work well for me and I’m definitely doing glue stick

[@ThisDesignedThat]

You are so welcome!

[@stevegarcia1796]

This is what i was looking for thank you.

[@infoshared3944]

Very informative. You did the testing for me thank you.

[@ThisDesignedThat]

Glad it was helpful!

[@az10821]

Thanks for sharing, very useful. 👍

[@pattsyorsburn2471]

Thanks, more info on different glue.

[@artesilvestre]

It's Roy Kent teaching me how to use gold leaf! ♥️

[@kimlewis5429]

Love the pen

[@echogong2880]

Useful video, thank you.

[@capistranodecor4997]

Thank you for share !!! One question what do you with the gold left that you are not using after brushes the samples ??

[@ThisDesignedThat]

stick it in a seal container and use it for future works where a perfect layer isnt needed or where I have tiny areas to cover. You wouldn't want to use lots of scraps to cover a large area because it can look quite messy

[@fclough4345]

thank you, i needed to know this information.

[@rache8425]

Really useful - many thanks

[@j.richardmoore5865]

Thanks, Limey. Great tutorial! Saved me some time and money.

[@ThisDesignedThat]

Never been called a limey before but happy to help :)

[@j.richardmoore5865]

@@ThisDesignedThat Sorry, my friend, meant no offense. Really did enjoy your video and was quite useful. I recently began investing into arts and crafts for both personal decor and (hopefully) supplement my income and I greatly appreciate folks like you who take the time and generously share their expertise.

[@ThisDesignedThat]

:) no offense taken. Glad you enjoyed the content

[@stewardnyanchoka8344]

what a wonderful tip. thanks alot

[@trustyjuul4833]

You need very soft brush when you lead it, because the rough brush makes it dull.

[@Jimbob-zv5zr]

Probably depends on the surface PVA with it being water based will I guess rough up paper as it slightly warps and expands... You can seal the surface and or use it techniques I guess.

[@mceballos4370]

How long till gold leaf adhesive stops being tacky even after dry?

[@ferdic.3402]

That's ingenious. I'll definitely try it when I have the time which will be next weekend probably :)

[@ThisDesignedThat]

good luck ;)

[@2212booboo]

Thank you so much. Very informative and helps the right buy 🎉

[@ThisDesignedThat]

Great to hear!

[@bananabongo]

So informative. Thanks 👍

[@ThisDesignedThat]

Happy to help :)

[@Snehas_art_craft]

Can i use fevicol glue

[@_Dremo_]

Can I use any kind of gule like paper gule

[@TheVero0323]

Thank, this was very useful.

[@Beerinmyhand]

Thank you for sharing this

[@mazz2300]

helpful video, going to add some gold and silver leaf to my life drawing! thanks

[@ThisDesignedThat]

using it in my next project too :) Good luck

[@maitxapostol9367]

I’m about to use gold leaf for the first time I’m quite nervous but thanks for the great video

[@ThisDesignedThat]

you'll be fine, its much easier than you imagine :)

[@14watecolormore]

Great video. Thank you.

[@belle4078]

I use the exact same adhesive size and it works brilliantly. Although just a warning- you added a bit too much of the size. Usually, i let the tip of my brush rest on the liquid and then paint over. The layer's so thin you can't see it but it greatly reduces any wrinkles, i personally feel. So its so smooth you can literally see your own reflection. I'm a modeller and I use a modeller's tiny brush, which I find works better than a foam brush. However the size is always clumping the bristles together. Any thoughts? :)

[@AonCelticArt]

Good tips! Thanks!

[@GasNBullets]

You can use an art brush and glue stick for nice application just rub the brush on the glue stick then apply to the project with brush

[@ThisDesignedThat]

Great advice, didn't think of doing this :)

[@mariadelfino2018]

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.

[@ThisDesignedThat]

Excellent points here Maria, thanks for sharing

[@satisfyingwhiteboarddrawin4587]

Thank you. You answered all my questions. Great presentation 👍🏼

[@shazia6161]

From where we can get golden leaf

[@user-qu6yn5dm4b]

Thank You So Much🙏🏽I got exactly what I wanted🙏🏽♥️

[@ThisDesignedThat]

Glad it helped!

[@aartadventure]

Very useful. Thank you