All about Gold Leaf

Precious metals have a wide range of applications. Gold leaf today is used in various fields. We will tell you more about this unique material.

The official definition says that the thinnest plates of a yellow precious metal are called gold leaf (tinsel). The thickness of one sheet is approximately 100 nanometers. In most cases, gold plates are used for decorative purposes, however, in the field of beauty and health, they also found their application.

The texture of the sheets may be different, from perfectly smooth to embossed, with the effect of antiquity. The rich variety allows you to choose any option depending on the desired artistic effect.

Sheets are applied to the surface of the object, which makes it seem as if the thing is completely made of gold. The color of the material may vary depending on the impurities of other metals in the composition and other characteristics. For example, colored gold consists of interspersed silver. 22 carat tinsel has a light greenish tint. If in front of you are sheets with a subtle golden tone, then this means that you see 18 carat white with gold leaf.

The chemical formula may include the following components:

• aluminum;

• silver;

• copper;

• zinc.

These components are most often used in the manufacture of sheets.

Although the standard format for selling gold leaf is a book, there are other options in stores.. The precious material is also sold in rolls, in the form of powder or flakes.

The production of gold leaf is actively engaged both abroad and in Russia. In the process of its production, companies adhere to certain standards established by law.

All gold leaf that can be found on sale all over the world is made with two standards in mind: The Russian standard, which is also abbreviated as PC, and the European standard are EU markings.

In the manufacture of thin sheets of precious metal and other impurities of the company adhere to established GOST. It indicates which components must be included and in what quantity. The standard of the material is 960 samples.

Gold leaf sold in book format, where each individual leaflet is fixed on a special paper that preserves and protects it from damage. The book includes 60 sheets of square shape, the weight of which is only a few grams. Dimensions –91.5x91.5 mm. This format allows not only to store, but also to safely transport products.

Composition of the coating by Russian standards:

• gold - 96%;

• silver and copper - 1% each;

• other components - 2%.

If you notice in a catalog or on a store shelf EU product Here is a product that is manufactured according to foreign requirements. European countries use a single standard that is officially registered. Gold leaf books contain 25 sheets, the size of each plate is exactly 80x80 millimeters. These are the main characteristics of a European product, by which one can distinguish a domestic manufacturer from a foreign one.

Consider tinsel using the example of Noris brand products. This brand belongs to a well-known German company, which occupies a leading position among numerous manufacturers. Russian buyers also praised the quality of European goods.

The following products were widely used.

The material is sold in a book of 25 sheets in a size that corresponds to the European standard (80x80 centimeters). The main advantage of the product is the possibility of polishing. He is also not afraid of corrosion. The disadvantage is that sheets can only be used for interior decoration.

Thin sheets joined by papyrus paper. The buyer can choose the width on their own. It varies from 3 to 110 millimeters. The material is used to cover similar surfaces. To purchase a “Color Card” you need to place an order.

For decorating relief and structured surfaces, it is more convenient to use not sheets, but tinsel in the form of powder. The European manufacturer offers customers a product of 23 carats, sample - 960. Buyers can choose between two packaging options - weighing 2 or 10 grams.

Leaf gilding has found its application in various fields and is actively used at present.

Thin sheets of precious material use for decorative purposes and in the manufacture of works of art. Artists often use gold leaf to add a touch of luxury and elegance to their paintings. Also, with the help of metal particles, an expressive play of light can be achieved.

Material is useful in architecture. Covering volumetric elements with gold sheets, you can achieve an expressive effect.

The design of the tinsel has also found its application. With its help, experts add variety to the interior. This element is often used in the classic decoration of the room.For baroque, rococo and other similar directions, gold elements are the main characteristic.

In arts and crafts This product has been used for a long time. It is used to create various crafts regardless of their subject and complexity.

It is very simple and easy to work with gilding, which is why the material has found wide application. Whether it is gold leaf in the format of thin sheets or fine powder, the main thing is to be careful and follow the rules for its operation. Remember that sheets can not be taken with your hands, otherwise they simply will tear. Soft fabrics are used to separate them from paper, and brushes and other tools are used to apply them.

The coating performs not only a decorative, but also a practical function. A thin layer of metal protects the surface from particles of dust, moisture, corrosion and other damaging effects from the outside. Interior painting with the addition of gold leaf is used in the field of design and still remains relevant.

Another area where gold leaf has gained popularity is cooking. Chefs around the world have long enjoyed the original decoration. Culinary experts who paid special attention to the shining sheets use material to decorate sweets. If it enters the human body, the metal does not carry any danger. It's all about the inertness of the metal and its subtlety.

The dish can be completely covered with gold or only partially decorated with it. Based on tinsel, food additive E175 is made.. Precious shine looks great with various kinds of products. Gold is used to decorate pastries, ice cream, sushi, meat and much more. Today, the dish, complemented by edible gilding, can be ordered in a restaurant or an elite cafe. This practice has become widespread abroad, but in Russia you can find specialists working with tinsel.

Pieces of precious material 960 samples adorn not only food but also drinks. Gold flakes are often added to alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. In Japan, you can enjoy coffee with the addition of metal. Especially charming gilding looks on cakes for weddings and other major celebrations.

The practice of eating tinsel has been around for a long time. Even in ancient times, thin sheets of spruce were eaten to preserve youth and improve their health. It is believed that the use of gold leaf favorably affects the work of the heart, and also improves the function of the gastrointestinal tract.

In the beauty and health industry, precious material has also found its application. Professional cosmetologists believe that gold is the best helper for preserving youth and getting rid of signs of aging. A procedure has been widely adopted during which sheets of metal are applied to the face and other parts of the body. As a result, skin condition improves. To enhance the beneficial effect, cosmetologists add oils, herbal extracts and other ingredients to it.

Health and care using gold can be ordered in almost any premium salon. It is worth noting that such procedures are not cheap. At the same time, specialists guarantee a noticeable effect after the first procedures. The skin becomes firm and radiant.

Gold leaf is also used to make cosmetics, which can be used at home.

In cosmetic stores you can find the following metal-added products:

• patches for the eyes;

• masks;

• oils for the body, nails and face;

• serum;

• creams.

The product range is constantly updated with new products from leading manufacturers.

The cost of gold leaf directly depends on the price of the main material in the precious metals market. Today, one sheet of European production measuring 16x16 centimeters will cost about 160 rubles.

Customers who use large amounts of gold prefer to purchase it in book format.

Manufacturers offer customers the following options.

1. Gold leaf in a book of 23 carats. The number of sheets - 60. Ligature weight - 1 gram. Dimensions - 91.5x91.5 mm. Cost - 6 thousand 600 rubles.
2. Sheets of precious material 23 carats. Dimensions - 91.5x91.5 mm. Weight - 1.25 grams. Cost - 7 thousand 300 rubles.
3. A product with the same characteristics, but with a weight of 1.4 grams will cost 7 thousand 800 rubles.

The cost of this leaf coating is not affordable for all buyers who would like to often use precious material for decoration and other purposes. In this case, use its substitute called potal. These are sheets of metal imitating real gold.

The main difference between the goods is the composition. In the manufacture of poured the necessary color is obtained due to the alloy of zinc, tin, copper and other metals. Many manufacturers use bronze spraying.

Visually distinguishing real gold leaf from potal is almost impossible, especially when it comes to high-quality imitation. The difference will be in the price. The cost of a substitute is much more affordable compared to sheets of real precious metal. Also You can distinguish products using a certificate confirming the composition of metal sheets.

Despite the resemblance, gold has special characteristics. An expensive metal coating is suitable for decorating various types of surfaces.

To gilding with tinsel, the following tools must be prepared.

1. Suede pillow. Without this device, it will not be possible to carefully detach the metal sheet from the paper. Thin plates are also cut on the pillow.
2. Special knife. This is the main tool to split the gold leaf.
3. Lampensel. Flat brush with a wide shape. It is needed to safely transfer weightless precious material to the required surface. Also, the brush is used when transferring to a small pillow to perform gilding.
4. Agate. Stone is used to polish a gilded surface. The tool has a smooth tip and a comfortable grip. This procedure is necessary to give the coating an expressive glossy sheen.

The traditional method of gilding is chosen to design a flat and smooth surface. This option is most often used for wooden surfaces and gypsum. First you need to level, polish the surface and apply glue to it. The next step is to apply several layers of gesso. This is a special composition of glue and Bologna gypsum.

It is made on the basis of a bolus and other components. When coating the surface with polymer and gesso, fully dried layers are carefully processed and ground.

Once the working surface is prepared, you can proceed to gilding. Dried coating treated with a solution of water with alcohol. Until the liquid is dry a leaf of gold leaf is applied with the help of lampenzel. Due to the composition described above, the metal plates lie flat. Once precious metal stuck to the surface, you can begin to polish it.

When applying gold leaf on canvas is used special glue. It reliably fixes a thin sheet in the picture. As in the case described above, to work you will need a set of tools. After drying, gold can be polished.

Gilding is often used to protect art objects from damage and the negative effects of the environment.

More interesting information on gold leaf can be found in the next video.