Gilding - imitation gold leaf imitation silver leaf and copper leaf

Imitation Gold Leaf is known by many names in the trade such as Dutch Metal, Schlag Leaf, Faux Gold Leaf. Imitation Gold Leaf is a brass composite and is used as a cheaper alternative to Genuine Gold Leaf for a similar effect. This will tarnish and so is only recommended for interior use and to be sealed with a varnish or universal lacquer. There are two grades of Imitation Gold Leaf, a standard grade and an Italian grade which is of a slightly better quality. The standard range is available in two shades which are Shade 2.5 (similar to 23.5ct Genuine Gold Leaf) and Shade 2 (similar to 22ct Genuine Gold Leaf). The Italian range is available in three shades which are Shade 2.5 (similar to 23.5ct Genuine Gold Leaf), Shade 2 (similar to 22ct Genuine Gold Leaf) and Shade 1 (which has a reddish hue to it similar to 23ct Red Leaf) Imitation Gold Leaf is available in booklets of Loose Leaf and Transfer Leaf, each leaf measuring 140mm x 140mm. Loose Leaf is where the leaves are placed between the pages of the booklet and Transfer Leaf is where the leaves are adhered to a piece of waxed tissue between the pages of the booklet. It is also available in bundles of 100, 500, 1000, 5000 or 10,000 sheets of loose leaves, each measuring 160mm x 160mm. The gilding process is the same of when using Genuine Gold Leaf, a gilding size is thinly applied to the surface and once a dry tack has been obtained, like a tack of a post-it note, it is then ready to adhere the Leaf.