Creative Uses for Imitation Gold & Silver Rolls

Why Choose Imitation Metal Leaf Rolls?

Imitation gold and silver leaf rolls—often known as Dutch metal, Schlag leaf, or faux gold leaf—offer a stunning alternative to genuine gold leaf without the cost. Wrights of Lymm, the UK’s oldest gold and metal leaf manufacturer, proudly supplies both standard and superior imitation rolls in various widths and materials. Perfect for DIYers, artists, and restorers, these rolls unlock endless creative possibilities.

Products Overview: What’s on Offer

1. Imitation Gold Rolls

Available in standard and Italian (“superior”) quality, these rolls are brass alloy sheets that replicate the appearance of 23.5 or 22‑carat gold. The Italian superior grade delivers a more consistent metallic finish. Typical widths range from 1 cm up to 15 cm, all supplied in continuous 50‑metre rolls.

2. Imitation Silver Rolls

Also offered in standard and superior quality, imitation silver (aluminium-based) rolls mirror genuine silver leaf aesthetics while being far more affordable. Available in similar widths, these rolls are ideal for large‑scale interior applications.

How to Use Metal Leaf Rolls: Practical Ideas

These imitation rolls are designed for larger, repetitive gilding tasks, helping you achieve professional-looking results quickly and affordably.

Gild Furniture and Joinery

• Apply strips to table edges, drawer fronts, or chair legs. The continuous roll format ensures seamless gilding around curves or long panels.

• Use gilding size, wait for tack, then press and smooth the roll onto flat or mildly curved wood surfaces.

Craft Statement Wall Art

• Design large-scale motifs—stripes, frames or geometric shapes—on canvas or MDF. The rolls allow continuous gilded lines without joining leaf sheets.

• Use stencils and roll segments over adhesive, sealing with varnish if emulating 24 carat brilliance.

Revamp Picture Frames and Mirror Edges

• Gild flat frames uniformly with consistent metallic accents. The silver rolls make frames gleam with a contemporary edge, while the brass-imitated gold rolls offer timeless elegance.

Home Décor Accents

• Ideal for re-gilding fireplace surrounds, door trims, shelf edges, or decorative furniture inlays.

• Combine with gold powder or shell gold to add hand-gilded details and embellishments around roll-applied areas.

Theatrical and Set Design

• Lightweight and manageable for stage props, backdrops, and exhibition panels.

• Durable with interior wood or plaster underlayers sealed in place.

Gilding Technique: A Simple How-To Guide

1. Surface Preparation
   Ensure surfaces are smooth, clean, and primed—with a light base colour matching your metal choice.

2. Apply Size Adhesive
   Use oil-based size for longevity. Wait for post‑it note tack before application.

3. Apply the Roll
   Cut the roll to length, position it, and smooth it down with a soft, lint-free cloth or brush.

4. Burnish & Seal
   Lightly burnish with a soft cloth. Imitation leaf can tarnish, so apply a universal lacquer or varnish for protection.

5. Embellish
   Use tools like gold powder or shell gold to highlight edges, stencils, or hand-gilded flourishes.

Comparing with Genuine Gold Leaf

• Genuine gold leaf (23.5 or 24 carat): tarnish-resistant, hypoallergenic, and durable—ideal for monumental and outdoor gilding.

• Imitation rolls: affordable and easier to handle—perfect for interior upgrades and large surfaces where longevity is less critical.

• Combine both for effect—use rolls for base layer, and genuine gold or shell gold for accents and highlights.

Creative Project Inspirations

• Gilded wall panels: create a gold-silver checkerboard ambience.

• DIY headboards with silver stripe designs.

• Crafted shelf insets: gild the back panels and paint shelves white for visual contrast.

• Decorative door edges: use gold roll strips on internal door frames.

• Typography art: outline quotes on canvas using roll-based gilding with shell-gold lettering.

• Restoration projects: revitalise antique wooden furniture with roll garnish on edges.

Tips for Best Results

• Test size-drying times on scrap before full application.

• Handle the roll with clean hands to prevent oxidation.

• Use protective sealants to prevent silver roll tarnishing.

• Store unused roll in a cool, dry place to preserve finish.

Conclusion: Affordable Elegance with Imitation Rolls

Wrights of Lymm’s imitation gold and silver rolls provide a cost-effective, efficient alternative to traditional goldleaf methods—perfect for large-scale or decorative archives. By combining these with accessories like gold powder, shell gold, and genuine gold leaf, you can create durable, visually rich designs on almost any surface.

Let your creativity shine using these versatile rolls and discover the transformative power of gilding—without the premium price tag.