Exterior Gilding

Gold leaf for exterior applications is used for the gilding of architectural surfaces exposed to weather conditions, such as monuments, historic façades, domes, statues, gates and ornamental details. Gold leaf gilding has been used for centuries in the restoration and enhancement of historic buildings and monumental works, thanks to gold’s ability to reflect light and give surfaces great brightness and prestige. For exterior gilding it is essential to use noble metals of high purity, selected for their resistance to oxidation and their ability to maintain brilliance and stability over time. The types of gold leaf most suitable for outdoor use are 24 kt pure yellow gold, 23.75 kt orange gold, 23.5 kt orange gold, and 23 kt RU yellow gold, particularly suitable for monuments, historic buildings and architectural elements exposed to outdoor conditions. Platinum and palladium are also ideal metals for exterior applications, as they do not oxidize and ensure excellent resistance to weathering. Gold leaf for exterior use has been employed in numerous prestigious international projects. Among the most significant works realized with our gold leaf is the gilding of the sphere on the dome of Florence Cathedral, one of the symbolic elements of the city. Other projects include the gilding of the tower of Big Ben in London, the famous statue at Rockefeller Center in New York, the Fondazione Prada building in Milan, the dome of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver, and architectural details in the Grand Place (Grote Markt) in Brussels. To ensure long-lasting exterior gilding, it is also important to use specific products for the preparation and application of the leaf. The dedicated range includes gilding sizes, adhesives and protective systems, designed to ensure proper adhesion of the gold leaf and protect the gilded surface from rain, wind, humidity and pollution.

For outdoor giding gold leaf is used to cover, decorate, or restore monuments, palaces, statues, domes, and gates. Always chosen for work on historic buildings and valuable artworks, the leaf enhances the visibility and prominence of surfaces thanks to its light-reflecting properties. It is available in seven precious metal tones, selected for their resistance to oxidation and their ability to maintain brilliance over time. The range of products for outdoor use also includes sizes and protective coatings, all specifically designed to preserve the gilding over time and protect it from atmospheric agents.