A Beginner’s Guide to Gold Leaf Starter Kits from Wrights of Lymm

Gilding is one of the oldest and most luxurious forms of decoration, used in everything from religious iconography and picture frames to book edges and furniture. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, hobbyist, or artist, Wrights of Lymm offers high-quality gold leaf starter kits to help you get started with confidence. As the UK’s oldest manufacturer and supplier of goldleaf, Wrights of Lymm is the go-to destination for beginners wanting to explore this timeless craft.

In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of starter kits available from Wrights of Lymm, their contents, and what makes each ideal for your specific gilding projects. We’ll also highlight the differences between 23.5 carat and imitation  gold leaf options to help you choose the perfect kit.

1. Standard Gilding Starter Kit

Best for: Beginners seeking a comprehensive introduction to gilding.

The Standard Starter Kit from Wrights of Lymm is designed to provide all the essential tools and materials needed for traditional gilding projects. It includes:

• 25 leaves of 23.5 carat loose gold leaf (80mm x 80mm)

• 25 leaves of 23.5 carat transfer gold leaf (80mm x 80mm)

• Standard gilder's cushion with card shield

• Carbon steel gilder's knife

• 60ml jar of Japan 3-hour gold size (substituted with acrylic size for overseas orders)

• Squirrel hair tip

• Ox hair brush for applying size and shellac

• No.2 squirrel hair gilder's mop

• 60ml shellac varnish

This kit is ideal for those new to gilding, providing a balanced combination of tools and materials to get started .

2. Superior Gilding Starter Kit

Best for: Enthusiasts looking for professional-grade tools and comprehensive guidance.

The Superior Starter Kit builds upon the Standard Kit by upgrading several components and adding instructional materials:

• 25 leaves of 23.5 carat loose gold leaf (80mm x 80mm)

  

• 25 leaves of 23.5 carat transfer gold leaf (80mm x 80mm)

• Professional gilder's cushion with parchment shield

• Stainless steel gilder's knife

• 60ml jar of Japan 3-hour gold size (substituted with acrylic size for overseas orders)

• Squirrel hair tip

• Ox hair brush for applying size and shellac

• No.2 squirrel hair gilder's mop

• 60ml shellac varnish

• Practical Gilding Manual

The inclusion of the Practical Gilding Manual offers step-by-step instructions, making this kit suitable for those seeking a deeper understanding of gilding techniques.

3. Imitation Gold, Silver, and Copper Starter Kits

Best for: Hobbyists and crafters exploring gilding without the investment in genuine gold leaf.

For those interested in experimenting with gilding techniques, Wrights of Lymm offers starter kits featuring imitation metals:

• One book of loose leaf (imitation gold, silver, or copper)

• One book of transfer leaf (imitation gold, silver, or copper)

• 60ml acrylic gold size

• 60ml shellac varnish

• 18mm ox hair filling-in brush

• No.2 pony hair gilder's mop

These kits provide an affordable entry point into gilding, allowing users to practice and develop their skills before moving on to genuine gold leaf.

4. Specialised Starter Kits

Best for: Niche applications such as signwriting, pinstriping, and narrowboat painting.

Wrights of Lymm offers starter kits tailored to specific crafts:

Signwriters Kit: Designed for traditional signwriting techniques. Available in standard or professional

• Pinstriping Starter Kit: Ideal for automotive and decorative pinstriping.

  

• Narrowboat Painting Starter Kit: Suited for the unique requirements of narrowboat decoration.

Each kit includes materials and tools selected to meet the demands of these specialised applications, ensuring users have the appropriate resources for their projects.

Choosing Between Genuine Gold Leaf and Imitation Gold Leaf

When deciding between Genuine  gold leaf and imitation gold, silver, or copper leaf, consider the project’s purpose, longevity, and budget.

The 23.5ct gold leaf included in our genuine gold starter kits is ideal for high-end, monumental or outdoor gilding projects where durability is essential. It doesn’t tarnish, making it perfect for statues, architectural details, and religious art. Its purity ensures long-lasting brilliance, especially in exterior environments exposed to the elements.

On the other hand, imitation leaf (also known as composition or Dutch metal) mimics gold, silver, or copper at a fraction of the cost. It’s suited for indoor decorative work, short-term displays, or practice. However, it tarnishes quickly unless sealed with a protective lacquer and isn’t suitable for outdoor use without significant preservation steps.

Copper and silver leaf offer distinct finishes but also oxidize over time unless sealed. Silver can blacken, and copper can turn green, so a high-quality sealant is critical for both.

In short: choose 23.5ct goldleaf for premium, permanent work—especially outdoors. Use imitation leaf for cost-effective, indoor, or temporary applications. Always match the material to the expected wear, visibility, and environmental exposure to ensure professional, lasting results.

Conclusion: Start Your Gilding Journey with Confidence

Wrights of Lymm offers a range of gold leaf starter kits to suit various skill levels and project requirements. Whether you're a beginner looking to explore the art of gilding or an experienced craftsman seeking specialised tools, their kits provide high-quality materials and comprehensive guidance to support your creative endeavours.

Explore our collection of starter kits and embark on your gilding journey today.