How to apply gold leaf to glass
Sign makers have used gold leaf to make house numbers for centuries. Another name for this craft is reverse gilding on glass. Some people also call it verre églomisé. We gild the numbers by hand on the inside of your glass transom. The result is a bright, mirror-like finish.
How gold leaf sticks to glass
First, we clean the glass. Next, we cover it with a mixture of water and gelatin. This mixture works like glue. It is easy to use, but it dries fast, so we move quickly.
Then we lay the gold leaf onto the wet glass with a soft gilder’s tip. The leaf jumps from the tip to the glass. Once the gold dries, we polish it. After that, we repeat the process to fill any gaps. Sometimes a third layer is needed.
What kind of gold leaf we use
We use real gold leaf. Glass gilding needs genuine gold or palladium leaf, because other leaf does not work on glass. Our numbers use 23 karat gold. With care, gold leaf numbers can last for many decades.
Protect the gold with backup paint
Last, we protect the gold with backup paint. The paint covers the back of the numbers. It keeps the gold safe and makes it look richer. Without backup paint, the gold would look thin and see-through. The paint also helps the gold reflect light.
How to care for gold leaf house numbers
Your numbers will look great for years. Cleaning is easy. First, do not spray cleaner directly on the numbers. Second, do not rub them with rough sponges or brushes. Instead, spray cleaner on a paper towel and wipe the glass around the numbers. If the back gets dusty, use a feather duster gently.
Traditional gold leaf numbers look great on your home, and they add value to your property. Please contact us today for a quote. We are always busy, but we can usually schedule an installation within two or three weeks. The job takes about five hours on site. We work Monday through Friday and start around 7 am. Most jobs finish by 1 or 2 in the afternoon.
Our supplier for gold leaf and gilding tools: wbgoldleaf.com
Gold leaf house numbers: photos and information
- Glass Gilding – John Logan House
- Transom Window House Numbers
- Gold Leaf Transom Numbers – 1833 Baltimore
- Gold Leaf Address – Washington DC 1645
- Glass Gilding – 1441 Transom Numbers
See more of our glass gilding: Golden House Numbers, Gold Address Numbers – 1204, and <a
