While metallic paint finishes are alluring with their elegant shine, they simply cannot compete with the genuine radiant luster of a gilded finish. The breathtaking depth and texture of metallic leaf creates a rich, luxurious surface that will add drama to any small or large space. Metallic leaf may be added to just about any relatively smooth surface, from furniture to vaulted ceilings.
✽ Often cracks and spaces between the sheets of leafing are left exposed. These spaces, known as "holidays," reveal the paint underneath the leaf and help to give the leaf a worn or aged appearance.
✽ The leafing process involves the application of a thin layer of (usually) gold or silver sheets, called "leaf." Before the leaf is applied, the surface is painted and covered with an adhesive sizing. The small sheets are then carefully applied to the surface and sealed to prevent discoloration.
Gilding
Throughout history, precious materials such as gold and silver have been used to embellish a variety of surfaces in grand interiors. Until the discovery of platinum in the 18th century, gold was the most precious and valuable of metals. The art of gilding developed as an ingenious method of spreading a very thin layer of gold, either in leaf gilding or powder form, over a less costly surface such as plaster or wood. The effects achieved by these professional gilders were amazing.
Our skilled artisans can handle anything from a small niche to an exterior capital dome. Metal leaf treatments can be applied to have a smooth polished or can be distressed and aged for an old-world appearance. Gilding is actually very versatile as our silver leaf is one of our most popular modern finishes and distressed composition gold leaf is a favorite in the antiqued collection - both worlds apart and yet one in the same treatment wise.
Gilding is a very tedious and delicate process, one where the slightest movement of air can tear your material. Gold leaf is very thin - approximately 10,000 leafs of gold will fit into the thickness of 1 American dime! One ounce of gold can be pounded out to cover approximately 300 square feet. Each leaf is so thin that it literally melts between your fingers if held in a bare hand. Once mistaken belief is that gilding is applied in large sections or somehow brushed on. The process actually involves hand-applying each leaf which range from 3" x 3" to 5" x 5".
Imago Dei works with many metal leafs including:
• 23 karat Gold Leaf
• 18 karat Gold Leaf
• Pale Gold Leaf
• White Gold Leaf (12 & 14 karat)
• Composition Gold Leaf (most commonly used - 90% Copper 10% Zinc)
• Copper Leaf
• Composition Silver Leaf (Aluminum Leaf)
• Silver Leaf
• Palladium Leaf
• Variegated Leaf
Throughout history, precious materials such as gold and silver have been used to embellish a variety of surfaces in grand interiors. Until the discovery of platinum in the 18th century, gold was the most precious and valuable of metals. The art of gilding developed as an ingenious method of spreading a very thin layer of gold, either in leaf gilding or powder form, over a less costly surface such as plaster or wood. The effects achieved by these professional gilders were amazing.
Our skilled artisans can handle anything from a small niche to an exterior capital dome. Metal leaf treatments can be applied to have a smooth polished or can be distressed and aged for an old-world appearance. Gilding is actually very versatile as our silver leaf is one of our most popular modern finishes and distressed composition gold leaf is a favorite in the antiqued collection - both worlds apart and yet one in the same treatment wise.
Gilding is a very tedious and delicate process, one where the slightest movement of air can tear your material. Gold leaf is very thin - approximately 10,000 leafs of gold will fit into the thickness of 1 American dime! One ounce of gold can be pounded out to cover approximately 300 square feet. Each leaf is so thin that it literally melts between your fingers if held in a bare hand. Once mistaken belief is that gilding is applied in large sections or somehow brushed on. The process actually involves hand-applying each leaf which range from 3" x 3" to 5" x 5".
Imago Dei works with many metal leafs including:
• 23 karat Gold Leaf
• 18 karat Gold Leaf
• Pale Gold Leaf
• White Gold Leaf (12 & 14 karat)
• Composition Gold Leaf (most commonly used - 90% Copper 10% Zinc)
• Copper Leaf
• Composition Silver Leaf (Aluminum Leaf)
• Silver Leaf
• Palladium Leaf
• Variegated Leaf
BENEFITS SUMMARY
• Adds Drama
• Modern or Classical
• Interior & Exterior
• Ultimate in Luxurious Treatments
