Gilding is not only a great way to add a bit of glamorous sparkle to your home, but it also provides a pop of detail you can’t get with any other finish. When applied correctly, gilding will allow you to mimic the look of patina and metals without needing metallic surfaces — or ever changing hardware. The best part? Gilding can go on virtually any surface, as long as you’ve used the proper application of Gilding Size.

To help you see just how versatile gilding is, Amy shared a few of her expert tips on gilding, metallics, and creating an aged patina on this week’s Finish Friday.

Different Ways to Use Gilding

No matter how you’re going to use your gilding, Amy says that all you’ll need is some Gilding Size and your choice of leaf. Amy Howard at Home offers copper, silver, and gold leaf options, so choose whichever one compliments your piece best. Not sure which gilding to choose? In the video, Amy gives a few expert tips on which colors and surfaces are best to pair with different types of leaf, so make sure to check that out.

She also points out that Gilding Size is necessary for your gilding project — you can’t use regular glue! When it dries, the Gilding Size becomes clear and comes tack. “Tack” means it’s slightly oily and sticky, but not wet. Amy also reminds us to not apply gilding to a wet Gilding Size surface, as this will ruin the finish and never dry properly.

Customizing Gilded Surfaces

Once you’ve applied your gilding to your surface, you can leave it alone for a solid metallic finish or you can use one of Amy’s best tips for aging your newly gilded surface. One of her favorite ways to age a gilded surface for a genuine antique effect is the Amy Howard at Home Antiquing Mirror Solution. To get the most of this product, Amy shows you how to fill a small spray bottle with the solution and apply evenly over a gilded surface.

She also demonstrates how to make your piece show a little verdigris — a bright bluish-green finish that comes with aged copper (without needing to wait years for copper to oxidize!). All you need is a newly gilded surface, a little distressing or Antiquing Mirror Solution, and some chalk-based paint.

Amy also explains how gilding can be used for more than accents — it can be the whole statement piece! In fact, many people use gilding in paintings or to make a marbled or gold-flecked surface. Don’t miss this week’s Finish Friday if you want to see how Amy makes a quick, fun, and effortless piece of art with gold leaf. She also shows you how to emulate East Asian lacquer finishes with gilding, something you can use to take any piece to a whole new level.

Check Out Finish Fridays

During this week’s video Amy announces the winner of the gilding package giveaway, so make sure to tune in to see if you’ve won. You can also sign up for other giveaways by finding the link on our Facebook or Instagram.

On top of great tips and tricks each week, Amy shares news about Amy Howard at Home products and offerings — including new courses. Want to learn more about how to fix and flip furniture and make a living from it? Amy will keep you posted on her Finishing School course that covers just that so stay tuned each week! Follow us on Facebook to see the next week’s episode, or to watch previous videos for any project you need help with.

PRODUCTS MENTIONED::
Gold Leaf
Copper Leaf
Silver Leaf
Gilding Size
Antique Mirror Solution
Light Wax
Dark Wax
Chip Brush