A silver frame of mind

Silver leaf is one of the most versatile finishes. Because it reflects the surrounding area, it can look many different colors, including gold. Turn on a few lights and the whole wall or ceiling changes. It is a perfect backdrop on which to paint a single flower or a detailed mural.

Silver leaf may also not be what it appears to be. If the squares are 5.5 inches, then the leaf is actually aluminum. In fact, most of the silver leaf you see is actually aluminum leaf, made out of pure aluminum. If real silver leaf were to be used, the squares would measure 3.75 inches and would have to be sealed immediately to prevent tarnish. If the conditions are right, it can even tarnish overnight, before the sizing underneath is dry and cured. 

Traditional Home  Photo by Werner Straube

Designers Here and There by Michele Keith Photo by Simona Aru and Luca Guarneri

A fabulous silver leaf fireplace

Traditional Home    Photo by Werner Straube

Glowing and reflective: this silver leaf screen was also painted. 

 

Please forgive me. I cannot find the manufacturer's name!  

Silver leaf used on furniture details.

Traditional Home   Photo by Werner Straube

Gold and silver leaf work beautifully together here.

 Traditional Home   Photo by Werner Straube

The limed oak floor (covered here) in the chevron pattern is striking, wouldn't you say?

Here is an aluminum leaf backdrop in schaibin form- bits and pieces of all sizes, rather than squares. The photo on the left has over-stained gold leaf squares in the narrow panel; the photo on the right has a narrow panel with glass bead striae over silver metallic paint.

Go For the Gold... As In Gold Leaf

An elegant addition to any décor is to add the touch of gold or silver leaf to furniture or accessories. Whether accenting the special molding on a table or gilding a picture frame, the gold surface adds a special opulence and shimmer that cannot be replicated with metallic paint. When held up to the light, the sheet of gold leaf is so thin that it is semi-transparent. As a result, gilding should be done in a draft free environment. Any drafts of air will cause the leaf to literally blow away.

My own gilded table

My own renovated and gilded frame

Darnell Demilune Commode by Amy Howard in House Beautiful

Silver leaf table legs

There are two methods of gilding: oil gilding and water gilding. Oil gilding uses an oil size upon which, once it dries to a slight stickiness or “tack”, the gold leaf is gently laid on the surface and carefully pressed. Water gilding is a highly specialized craft used for applying gold on frames and furniture.

Create a screen like this with the fabulous stencils that are available now. An online search will bring up many stencil companies, such as Royal Design Studio or Cutting Edge Stencils.

Gilded screen Photographer: Erik Johnson

These arches were gilded with an oil size using Dutch (composite) leaf and sealed with Liberon wax.

Isola Bella gilded arches

Please join me again for Part two on gilding. I’ll explain the various types of gold leaf and offer reliable sources for supplies, books  and instruction. If you'd like any other facets of gold leaf gilding to be covered, please let me know.