Gold Leaf: The Use of Leaf Gold in Art
Gold leaf is obtained by beating pure gold into extremely thin sheets. The word "varak" means leaf in Arabic. These thin sheets, typically 22 karats, are sold in booklets and have been used for centuries in both traditional and modern arts. Because the gold mineral is precious and limited, imitation gold leaf is also produced to offer more economical solutions in art and decoration.
Today, gold leaf continues to be used in illumination (tezhip), calligraphy, miniatures, icons, furniture restoration, interior decorations, and art projects. In this article, you can find information on types of gold leaf, their areas of use, and application methods.
Where Is Gold Leaf Used?
1. Illumination (Tezhip) and Traditional Arts
The word "tezhip" means gilding, and gold leaf lies at the heart of this art. Gold leaf is ground with gum arabic to be transformed into pure gold pigment. This gold paint is applied to the surface with a brush using gelatin glue. The dried surface is polished with an agate burnisher, which enhances the gold's brilliance and durability.
2. Restoration Work
Gold leaf is used in historical artifacts, architectural structures, furniture, and paintings to restore their former splendor. Many structures, such as the Dolmabahçe Palace, maintain their radiance thanks to gold leaf.
3. Furniture and Decoration
Imitation gold leaves offer affordable and aesthetic solutions for furniture, ceiling decorations, and decorative objects. Roll leaf and finger gilding pastes, in particular, are easy-to-apply alternatives.
4. International Quality: Eytzinger Gold Leaf
One of the globally renowned brands in gold leaf production is Eytzinger. Based in Germany, Eytzinger is the preferred choice for professionals in delicate work such as illumination and restoration due to its high-purity leaf gold and meticulous production standards. As Karin Sanat, we bring Eytzinger gold leaf varieties to artists.
How Is Gold Leaf Applied?
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Preparation: The surface is prepared with milk size or special leaf adhesives.
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Placement: The leaf gold taken from the booklet is applied using a gilding brush or a surface brush.
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Cleaning: After drying, excess parts are brushed off.
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Polishing: For longevity, shellac varnish is usually applied.
Tip: Ensure the environment is dust-free and windless during application. Otherwise, the gold leaf will scatter very easily.
Types of Gold Leaf
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Booklet Gold: The most well-known form; thin sheets are presented in a booklet.
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Imitation Leaf: More affordable, produced in different gold tones and silver colors.
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Roll Leaf: Easy to apply for furniture and large surface decorations.
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Finger Gilding Paste: Ready-to-use gold-toned paint in tubes.
Where to Buy Gold Leaf?
Gold leaf varieties, along with all brushes and auxiliary materials needed for application, can be found at Karin Sanat. As one of Turkey's largest suppliers of traditional art materials, Karin Sanat offers both natural and imitation leaf varieties, including Eytzinger leaf gold, to artists.
Conclusion
Gold leaf is a unique material used in many fields, from illumination and restoration to decoration and modern art. These thin sheets, which bring the light of natural gold to the surface, maintain their permanence for centuries when applied with the correct techniques. For professional artists, Eytzinger gold leaf is a symbol of quality and trust.
