Gold leaf is one of the most fascinating expressions of decorative art. Ultra-thin, precious, capable of transforming a simple object into a masterpiece of light and prestige. But how can you make it last over time? What precautions should be taken to protect gold leaf and preserve its shine?

Whether it’s a gilded frame, an antique piece of furniture or an architectural detail, we want to share with you a practical guide to preserving and protecting gold leaf from wear, oxidation and external agents.

1. Context is extremely important!

Even more important than the products themselves is the environment. Gold leaf applied to decorative surfaces is sensitive to humidity, direct sunlight and sudden changes in temperature. If possible, we recommend that you do not place gold-plated items near heat sources or in overly humid environments, such as bathrooms or poorly ventilated kitchens.

2. Cleaning: a gentle touch is required

There are 3 golden rules you need to follow to keep gold decorations in good condition: no abrasives, no alcohol, no rushing.
A soft brush or dry microfibre cloth is sufficient to remove dust. For a deeper clean, however, it is always best to rely on the expert hands of a restorer.

3. Can you protect gold leaf? Yes, but with caution

Applying a protective coating can help protect gold leaf from scratches, oxidation and rubbing. However, it is not always necessary and in some cases can alter the visual effect, especially if you want to maintain a matt or antique finish.

We recommend gold leaf protection for:

• Objects that are handled frequently, such as handles, furniture or accessories.
  
• Decorations in outdoor areas or exposed to humidity
• Work on modern surfaces that require extra durability

4. Recommended products

We have dedicated a section of our e-shop to products that are useful for protecting gold leaf:

• • Synthetic protection: a glossy, solvent-based paint that is highly resistant and does not compromise shine. Perfect for gilding exposed to harsh conditions or intended for outdoor use.
    
    

• • Shellac in solution (TN or de-waxed ): offers light protection, ideal for craft work, frames and delicate surfaces. The de-waxed version gives the surface a slightly warm tone. The TN version, on the other hand, gives a slightly more intense finish than the previous one, with a browner shade.
    
    

• • Glossy or matt water protection: a new ready-to-use water-based treatment, free from synthetic components, gentle on the gilded surface but resistant to UV rays, flaking and yellowing. The matt version offers a natural effect, while the glossy version gives a shiny finish. Thanks to its versatility, it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
    
    

5. Preserving gold leaf over time

To preserve gold leaf over time, it is important to pay attention to details: where it is applied, how it is cleaned, whether and how it is protected and, a factor that is often overlooked, its carat weight.

To give you some more information, high-carat gold leaf (from 22kt to 24kt) is naturally more resistant to oxidation and in some cases does not necessarily require a protective coating. This depends on the type of support, the environment (indoor or outdoor) and the function of the object.

A job well done can last for years, even decades but, without the right care, even the most refined gilding is likely to become dull or deteriorate!

As you may have realised, the truth is that there is no fixed rule.
Every project is different, so we recommend that you always seek expert advice or contact us. We’re happy to help!