Gold leaf and gold leaf paint are both materials used to add a lustrous gold finish to objects and surfaces. However, they have some key differences in how they are made, applied, and the final look they produce. Determining if gold leaf paint is “as good as” real gold leaf depends on the needs of the specific project and desired results.
What is Gold Leaf?
Gold leaf is an extremely thin sheet of actual gold that has been hammered and processed to a thickness of just 0.0001 inches (2.54 microns). To put that into perspective, a stack of about 250 gold leaf sheets would be no thicker than a dime.
Gold leaf is made by flattening blocks of 22-23 karat gold into tissue-thin sheets. Beating gold into these thin foils allows a small amount of precious metals to cover a large surface area. Gold leaf has traditionally been used for decoration and gilding everything from jewelry and crafts to architectural details and religious iconography.
What is Gold Leaf Paint?
Gold leaf paint, also known as gilding paint or gilt paint, is paint that mimics the appearance of real metallic gold leaf. It contains small flecks of metal pigments like copper, zinc, and bronze suspended in a clear acrylic polymer base. When the paint dries, these tiny metal particles catch the light similar to how real gold leaf does.
Gold leaf paints are much more affordable and accessible than genuine gold leaf foils. They can be brushed or sprayed on directly without the intensive process of preparing surfaces and using adhesives to affix delicate metal foils. Gold leaf paint creates a convincing gold finish at a fraction of the cost.
The Differences Between Real Gold Leaf and Gold Leaf Paint
While both products deliver eye-catching golden finishes, there are some notable differences between real gold leaf and imitation gold leaf paint:
| Gold Leaf | Gold Leaf Paint |
|---|---|
| Made of real gold that is literally hammered into thin sheets | Contains metal pigment particles like copper suspended in acrylic polymer |
| Very delicate and needs to be handled carefully | Paint can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed on |
| Needs an adhesive like size to affix to a surface | Adheres to surfaces like regular paint |
| Labor-intensive application process | Easy, straightforward paint application |
| Very expensive and precious material | Affordable imitation of gold leaf |
| Lasts virtually forever with no tarnishing | Durability depends on paint quality and environment |
The main appeal of gold leaf paint is that it provides the eye-catching properties of gold at a much lower cost and with much less skill required to apply it.
Is Gold Leaf Paint As Good As Real Gold Leaf?
Now we get to the central question – can imitation gold leaf paint really match up to the real thing when it comes to performance and aesthetics? Here are some key considerations:
Appearance
High quality gold leaf paints do a pretty good job of replicating the brilliant luminosity and richness of real gold leaf. In a side by side comparison, you would likely notice that real gold leaf has a deeper, warmer, more buttery tone while the paint appears brighter and more glittery. But from a distance, gold leaf paint can mimic gold leaf very convincingly.
Durability
The gold in real gold leaf will remain untarnished and brilliant basically forever. The lifespan of gold leaf paint depends on the specific product, application method, and exposure to elements. Interior applications tend to last longer than exterior. Higher quality paints with more saturated metal pigments provide better durability. But no gold leaf paint can match real gold leaf for longevity.
Value
Even with the high cost of gold today, genuine gold leaf still costs around $60 for a 5 inch by 5 inch book of 25 sheets. A comparable amount of gold leaf paint costs about $15. So the paint delivers excellent value for the look. But real gold leaf retains intrinsic value that paint lacks.
Prestige
For restoration work, high end decor, or anything where authenticity is important, nothing beats real gold leaf. It provides luxury, prestige, and authenticity that paint cannot match. But for many crafts, DIY projects, or inexpensive gilding, paint is 90-95% as good for a fraction of the cost.
Application
Preparing surfaces and carefully applying delicate gold leaf foils requires skill, patience, practice and specialized tools. Paint simply requires some surface prep then brushing or spraying. The process is far more forgiving and achievable for the average person vs gold leafing.
When to Use Real Gold Leaf vs Gold Leaf Paint
Whether gold leaf paint is “as good as” real gold leaf depends on the specific needs of the project. Here are some guidelines on when to splurge for real leaf or when it makes more sense to substitute gold paint:
Use Real Gold Leaf For:
– Museum, church, or historic restoration projects requiring authenticity
– High-end luxury homes, hotels, restaurants, or casinos
– Prestigious art pieces, collectibles, jewelry, etc.
– Any application where longevity is paramount
– Surfaces that will be frequently touched/handled
– Projects where budget is not an issue
Use Gold Leaf Paint For:
– DIY crafts, furniture or accessories on a budget
– Temporary finishes like holidays or events
– Quick cosmetic upgrades to dated trims/accents
– Interior walls or ceilings as an accent
– Exterior applications where durability is a concern
– Faux gilding techniques like woodgraining
– Stage productions, props, costumes, and sets
Achieving the Best Results with Gold Leaf Paint
While real gold leaf is tops when authenticity and longevity are vital, you can still get beautiful, professional looking results with gold leaf paint:
– Use high quality paint – look for real metal pigments like copper or bronze rather than mica or titanium dioxide. Higher pigment density provides better gilding effect.
– Prepare surfaces thoroughly – remove any old flaking paint, dirt, oils etc. for proper adhesion. Use primer for the best grip.
– Follow application guidelines – thin coats, maintaining wet edges, proper drying time between coats. Some metallic paints require specific compatibilities between primer and finish coats.
– Consider mixing paint with a clear topcoat for added protection and sheen.
– Look for a paint with UV inhibitors to protect exterior applications from fading and oxidation.
– Use proper brushes – soft bristle brushes avoid brushstroke textures messing up the metallic effect. An inexpensive chip brush can leave obvious bristle marks.
– Maintain quality application tools – don’t let brushes get dried out, contaminated with old paint, or overloaded. This can cause streaking or uneven coverage.
– Use slow, even strokes and minimal pressure while painting – metallic paints show imperfections easily. Don’t overbrush areas that have set.
Conclusion
Gold leaf paint contains metal particles that approximate the shine and brilliance of real gold leaf at a tiny fraction of the cost. But real gold leaf still provides superior richness, longevity and prestige. For restoration work, fine art, or other applications where authenticity is paramount, real gold leaf can’t be matched. But for cost-effective DIY projects, temporary finishes, or faux gilding, quality gold leaf paint delivers eye-catching results and great value. With careful surface prep and application techniques, gold leaf paint can mimic real gold leaf while being much more budget-friendly and accessible for the average person.
