Imitation gold leaf (also known as schlag metal, dutch metal or composition leaf) is a metal leaf made from a brass alloy that has been hammered into very fine sheets for use in gilding. The leaves are not nearly as thin as genuine gold leaves. Imitation gold leaf is a cost-effective alternative to genuine gold leaf, offering a metallic surface which is shinier than a gold leaf surface generally. It doesn't have such a soft or subtle surface as genuine gold leaf but is often used as a substitute where budget dictates.
This product is supplied as loose leaves in booklets of 25 leaves, with your choice of either booklets of 140 x 140mm leaves or 95 x 95mm leaves. Each leaf in the booklet is separated by sheets of rouge paper but the leaf is not adhered to it, just sits loosely between the pages. In order to remove the leaf from the book we recommend you use a gilders knife slid under the leaf if you are placing it onto a cushion to cut into smaller pieces. This leaf is too heavy to pick up with a gilders tip, although it can be handled directly if done so delicately and with clean, grease-free fingers. You can pick up the leaf with your fingers, carefully picking each corner. Loose leaf is suitable for most surfaces but is usually used for more intricate and delicate work - for example, carved mouldings where transfer leaf is unsuitable.
Imitation gold leaf will tarnish over time and requires sealing to protect it, especially if the leaf is to be used outdoors or if the gilding is to be touched or handled regularly. We supply a number of lacquers and varnish that are suited for protecting metal leaf; in particular we recommend Whitsons Universal Lacquer to seal the leaf to prevent tarnishing, followed by another coat of more hardwearing varnish or lacquer if more protection is needed.
Our Imitation gold leaf is available in two qualities - Standard and Superior. Standard leaf is manufactured to a high standard in China, it is the same composition of leaf as the Superior leaf but the leaves may have minor cosmetic issues such as leaves not being square or slight imperfections in the edges. Superior leaf is manufactured in a European factory and is rigorously quality controlled. Standard leaf is perfect for decorative projects, but for laying out large areas or anything which demands a perfect finish then we would recommend the Superior leaf.
Size: 140 mm x 140 mm (you will need just over two booklets per flat square meter, not allowing for wastage or any overlaps) or 95 x 95mm (you will need around 5 books per square meter)
Each booklet contains 25 leaves
