Types of Gold Leaf Explained: How to Choose the Right Carat and Quantity for Your Project

Understanding Gold Leaf Before You Buy

Gold leaf has been used for thousands of years as a decorative, protective, and symbolic material. From monumental architecture and historic restoration to fine art, signwriting, and contemporary interiors, goldleaf remains the definitive material for high-quality gilding. However, not all gold leaf is the same, and choosing the correct type, carat, and quantity is essential for achieving the best results and controlling costs.

As a specialist gold leaf supplier, Wrights of Lymm works with craftspeople, conservators, artists, and architects who rely on accurate information as much as they rely on premium materials. This guide explains the different types of gold leaf available, how to select the correct carat for your application, and how to calculate how much goldleaf you need for your project.

What Is Gold Leaf?

Gold leaf is gold that has been beaten or rolled into extremely thin sheets—often just a few microns thick. Despite its delicacy, it is remarkably strong and stable when applied correctly. Because gold does not oxidise, genuine gold leaf offers unmatched longevity, making it ideal for restoration and monumental gilding.

Goldleaf is supplied in books containing individual leaves separated by tissue paper. The size of each sheet of gold is 80mm x 80mm and is most commonly used in architectural and decorative gilding.

The Main Types of Gold Leaf

Understanding the different types of gold leaf helps ensure the material suits both the environment and the desired finish.

Loose Gold Leaf

Loose gold leaf is the most traditional form. Each leaf sits freely within the book and is lifted using a gilder’s tip. It is favoured by experienced gilders for water gilding and traditional restoration work.

Loose leaf is commonly used in:

• Restoration of historic frames and plasterwork

• Ecclesiastical and monumental gilding

• Fine art and conservation projects

Transfer Gold Leaf

Transfer goldleaf is lightly adhered to a tissue backing, offering greater durability during handling, particularly on vertical or external surfaces. This format is widely used in architectural gilding and signwriting. It is also often chosen for beginners or projects requiring robustness.

Transfer leaf is ideal for:

• Exterior lettering and signage with large flat surfaces

• Situations where control and speed are important

Choosing the Right Carat: Why Purity Matters

The carat rating of gold leaf refers to its purity. Higher carat gold contains a greater percentage of pure gold, which directly affects colour, durability, and resistance to tarnishing.

24 Carat Gold Leaf

24 carat gold leaf is pure gold. It offers the richest colour and the highest resistance to corrosion, making it the best choice for external applications and long-term projects.

Common uses include:

• Exterior architectural gilding

• Domes, statues, and monuments

• High-end restoration work

23.5 Carat Gold Leaf

23.5 carat gold leaf is slightly alloyed to improve handling while retaining excellent durability and colour. It is one of the most popular choices for professional gilding.

23.5 carat goldleaf is widely used in:

• Architectural interiors

• Decorative plaster and cornices

• Monumental and heritage restoration

Lower Carat Gold Leaf

Lower carat gold leaf contains more alloy metals, which can slightly alter colour and increase susceptibility to tarnishing. These options are generally suited to interior decorative work rather than conservation projects.

Gold Leaf for Restoration and Monumental Projects

In restoration and monumental work, authenticity and longevity are paramount. Specifying genuine gold leaf—typically 23.5 carat or 24 carat—is essential to ensure compatibility with historic substrates such as lime plaster, gesso, and bole.

Using lower-quality alternatives in restoration can compromise both visual accuracy and long-term stability, which is why professional conservators continue to rely on traditional goldleaf.

How Much Gold Leaf Do You Need?

Accurately estimating gold leaf quantities helps control costs and prevent unnecessary waste.

Understanding Coverage Rates

A standard book of gold leaf contains 25 leaves, each measuring 80mm x 80mm.

• One book of 25 leaves covers approximately two A4 sheets of paper.

• Coverage equates to roughly 6¼ books of gold leaf per square metre, allowing for overlaps and handling loss.

These figures provide a reliable baseline for estimating material requirements.

Factors That Affect Coverage

Several factors influence how much goldleaf a project requires:

• Surface texture and porosity

• Complexity of mouldings or ornamentation

• Experience level of the gilder

• Leaf format (loose vs transfer)

Highly detailed or rough surfaces typically require more gold leaf than smooth, flat areas.

Reducing Waste and Maximising Gold Leaf Efficiency

With gold leaf representing a significant material investment, careful handling and preparation are key.

Surface Preparation

Smooth, well-sealed surfaces reduce tearing and improve adhesion, ensuring each leaf goes further.

Choosing the Right Leaf Type

Selecting transfer goldleaf for vertical or exterior work can significantly reduce loss compared to loose leaf.

Planning Overlaps Carefully

Gold leaf must overlap slightly, but excessive overlap leads to unnecessary waste. Experienced gilders plan layouts carefully to balance coverage and efficiency.

Alternatives to Genuine Gold Leaf

While genuine gold leaf remains the standard for restoration and monumental work, alternatives can be appropriate in certain contexts.

Imitation Gold Leaf (Dutch Metal)

Imitation goldleaf offers a cost-effective option for interior decorative work and temporary projects. It requires sealing to prevent tarnishing and is not suitable for conservation applications.

Silver and Copper Leaf

Silver and copper leaf are often used for artistic effects, contemporary interiors, and decorative plaster finishes. Both materials require protective coatings to maintain appearance.

Choosing the Right Gold Leaf Supplier

Consistency, technical support, and product knowledge are critical when sourcing gold leaf. As an established gold leaf supplier, Wrights of Lymm provides a full range of goldleaf products alongside expert guidance to help professionals specify correctly.

Conclusion: Matching Gold Leaf to Your Project

Choosing the right gold leaf involves more than selecting a colour. Carat, format, coverage, and application all play a role in achieving a successful result. Whether working on a monumental restoration, a decorative interior, or a fine art piece, understanding goldleaf types and quantities ensures efficiency, durability, and visual excellence.

With expert advice and high-quality materials from Wrights of Lymm, craftspeople can select the right gold leaf for every project—confident in both performance and value.