Imitation gold, silver, aluminum and copper leaf

In addition to genuine gold leaf, Giusto Manetti offers a wide range of imitation leaf products available in four colors and two variegated shades in four versions each. As it is thicker that genuine precious metal leaf, imitation leaf is easier to handle and apply and can be used by the most expert professionals as well as novices trying their hand and gilding for the first time. Imitation gold, silver and copper, are available in larger formats than traditional gold leaf. This feature, combined with ease of handling, make it possible to significantly reduce gilding times. Once applied, it is advisable to always protect the imitation leaf to extend its life and prevent tarnishing.

Imitation leaf 14 x 14 cm

Imitation leaf 14 x 14 cm

The imitation booklets measuring 14 x 14 cm with 25 leaves are available in loose or transfer format. They can be provided in packs of 10 single cases or in boxes of 20 books. Go to TECHNICAL INFO to see all the colors.

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Imitation leaf 14 x 14 cm
Imitation leaf 16 x 16 cm

Imitation leaf 16 x 16 cm

Reams of 100 or 500 imitation leaves in 16x16 cm size and in loose format packaged in individual envelopes or boxes. The boxes contain 20 or 50 reams, depending on the number of leaves, and are available in different thicknesses and in two qualities: PREMIUM QUALITY and STANDARD QUALITY.

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Imitation leaf 16 x 16 cm
Imitation leaf Schabin

Imitation leaf Schabin

The term "Schabin" refers to imitation gold leaves measuring 16x16 centimeters, which are sold in bulk format with a total weight of 2 grams.

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Imitation leaf Schabin
Imitation leaf rolls

Imitation leaf rolls

Imitation metal leaves are applied in continuous layers on tissue paper for easy application to large, flat surfaces.

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Imitation leaf rolls

Imitation leaf in booklets and other formats

Imitation gold is known by many names that vary from place to place: “Dutch gold”, “artificial gold leaf”, “faux gold”, “composition metal”, “Schlag metal” and “copper leaf”. The alloy is always composed of a mix of copper and zinc. The metal alloy is beaten out using the same process as genuine gold, but it is thicker, so it can also be handled manually without the need for special instruments. For this reason, it is easy-to-use and, in some cases, is ideal for didactic purposes in gilding schools. Imitation gold leaf combines copper and zinc in various percentages depending on the desired shade. Imitation silver leaf, instead, is composed of 100% aluminum and copper leaf is 100% copper.Imitation silver and gold leaf and copper leaf are available in booklets (loose or transfer leaf), in packaged reams, in boxes, in envelopes and in rolls. Various sizes and thicknesses are available, depending on the intended use. In addition to four standard colors, the leaf is offered in a variegated version with gold and copper effects.

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This product is suitable for interior gilding on large, flat walls or surfaces, or for decorating objects in wood, ceramics and glass. Specifically, imitation leaf in boxes is used by professionals to gild furniture, frames and other decorative elements. Book leaf, instead, is ideal for hobbyists or when absolute precision is required, including the gilding of flat surfaces, an operation for which transfer leaf or roll leaf are ideal. Leaf in boxes or in book format can also be used for water gilding, which is a more laborious process, for gilding on plaster gesso or wood objects, such as frames and icons. In every case, a protective finishing coat is recommended to prevent the color from fading and deteriorating for as long as possible. Our experts would be pleased to provide a free consultation on imitation gold application techniques and draw up a quote with an overview of our product catalog pricing.

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