A darker background peeking through your gold typically looks more intentional than a light background, which may look more like an incomplete gold application. It’s totally up to you though. If desired, you can use a small, flat soft-bristled brush to paint a white canvas another color with acrylic paints. What color you’d like peeking through your gold leaf is up to you.

The adhesive should be spread thin enough to be translucent rather than milky on the canvas. Try not to go back over areas where you’ve already applied adhesive. This will help avoid undesirable rippling underneath your gold. PVA glue is the best adhesive for gold leaf. [6] X Expert Source Kathy LeaderArtist Expert Interview. 13 February 2022.

No adhesive should come off on your knuckle if the canvas has reached the appropriate stage of tackiness. If the adhesive is still wet, let it cure for another minute and then check it again. Keep doing this until it reaches the desired stage of tackiness.

Gold leaf is very fragile and may stick to any available adhesive unintentionally. Cleaning up prevents gold leaf from getting all over yourself and your workspace.

Smoothing the leaf will also create more static and help it “stick” to your wax paper.

If you prefer, you can handle the gold leaf directly with your hands. It’s not dangerous or toxic, but it may break apart.

Repeat this wax paper process to cover your adhesive area fully in gold leaf, slightly overlapping the gold leaves each time to cover the area fully.

There may still be some small hanging bits of gold leaf when you’re done. That’s okay; they will be neatened up in a later step.

This issue may occur if you waited too long to apply your gold leaf in the first place and rather than becoming tacky, the original adhesive dried out. Be sure to burnish any touched-up areas for the most lasting application.

When finished, gently glide a clean rag or cheesecloth over the canvas to sweep away any loosened pieces of leaf that have settled on the canvas.

Look for a varnish with a UV protectant, such as Golden Varnishes MSA Varnish with UV protection, to keep light from damaging your gold finish. If mixing varnish and solvents is intimidating for you, opt for a spray varnish. These typically still require protective gear, but do not require any further mixing.

Take all protective precautions your varnish recommends, such as a mask, protective gloves, or eyewear. These products are usually toxic, and most require masks that are specifically rated with a certain level of particle protection. A bandana over your face won’t cut it. If you need help, call the manufacturer, and they can make specific safety gear suggestions to ensure you’re protected.