Alternatively, you can use a paint color as a base color to the gold leaf since there will not be a perfectly smooth gold finish. Paint two coats of the new paint color. Once dry, cover the area you want to gold leaf with a coat of adhesive. [1] X Research source
An alternative way of testing for tackiness is to glide your knuckle down the surface of the object. If you can hear a squeak, it’s ready for the gold leaf. While the sizer is drying, clean the gilding cushion.
Lay the leaf and backing on the surface of the object. The backing side should face you. Burnish the leaf with a brush or your fingers. Carefully pull the paper backing away. Blow on the gold leaf. This will encourage it to lay flat enough to work with.
Don’t worry if areas seem to overlap. You can remove those later.
The top coat isn’t necessary if you’re gilding perishable items like food. [6] X Research source
