
Rachel working on a mirror gilded window

Surface gilded logo and mirror gilded window
Gold Leaf
We love working with gold leaf – we use hand beaten 22-23ct gold leaf for all our gilding projects, which can be used on shopfronts, walls or windows. It’s versatile, long lasting and luxurious.
Unlike metallic paint, gold leaf doesn’t tarnish, so is a brilliant investment for a business that wants to stand out! It offers top quality end results, whether used with clean contemporary branding or classic, traditional styles, never failing to provide a high-end timeless look. Outdoor gilding does not need to be sealed but our window work is applied on the inside of the glass and is sealed with a transparent varnish.
As with all our projects, we’re happy to gild a provided design or design something for you that will work with the material to create unbeatably eye-catching signs.

Removing the excess gold leaf on a surface gilded fascia

23 carat gold surface gilded fascia for The Sulking Room

Marking out the sign by hand


Gold paint vs. gold leaf
What's the difference between metallic paint and gold leaf?
LONGEVITY: We only use 22-23 karat leaf, which is almost pure gold, and will last 20-30 years outside and 40-50 years inside. Paint will dull quickly in a few years, especially if it's exposed to the harsh Scottish climate and pollution from busy roads. See below for an example of how paint will change in just three years and had to be redone.
FINISH: Paint can try, but there's is no substitute to the shine of real gold! It is highly reflective and brilliantly eye-catching. It's very difficult to convey even with a photograph how stunning the end result is.
So when should gold paint be used?
If you're looking for a shiny gold finish but are only going to be in a space temporarily or on a short lease, then metallic paint is a good and less expensive substitute. However, if you'd like your gold to last and want to invest in a timeless, luxurious look, without ever having to touch it up, then spending extra on gold is the better option.
