Gold Leaf Furniture Tutorial — Light Touch to Gilded Glam

There’s something magical about adding just a hint of shimmer.
Whether you’re finishing a piece that’s rich and moody or soft and romantic, a touch of gold leaf brings everything to life.

The best part? It’s easier than you think — and mistakes just become texture.

If you’ve followed along with our Ombré and Waxing tutorials, this is your next fearless step.

✨ Supplies You’ll Need

• Genuine or imitation gold leaf sheets

• Adhesive — water-based or gilding glue

• Small detail brush or artist’s brush

• Soft lint-free cloth

• BB Frösch Finishing Wax (clear) or top coat to seal when dry

💡 Step 1 — Plan Your Shine

Decide where you want the glow — edges, drawer fronts, raised details, or even the rim of a mirror.
You can go just light-catching highlights for a subtle, artisanal touch — or full-on gilded glam if your piece wants to make a statement.

🪞 Step 2 — Apply Adhesive (Size)

Brush on a thin coat of adhesive where you want the leaf to stick.
Let it sit until it feels tacky but not wet (usually about 5–10 minutes depending on humidity).

Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step — the right tackiness makes the leaf glide on effortlessly.

💛 Step 3 — Lay the Gold Leaf

Gently press the gold leaf onto the tacky surface using a soft brush or dry cloth. I used a damp flat paint brush to pick up small gold pieces and used the brush to place the gold sheets where I wanted them. It worked so well!
It might wrinkle, tear, or flake — and that’s okay! That’s how character happens. You can also layer over areas. I had to do this to achieve the final look. Just brush off the excess, wait until it dries, then layer another sheet.

Once covered, lightly burnish with your soft cloth to press the leaf into place and reveal that luminous glow.

🧈 Step 4 — Seal 

Once your gold leaf is set and dry, lightly apply a thin coat of clear BB Frösch Finishing Wax or topcoat to protect it from tarnish and add a buttery sheen.
Let it dry, then buff for a silky glow that feels as good as it looks.

You can gold leaf over an existing piece that already is waxed too. Just add a little wax over the area you gilded to protect it.

🪩 The Payoff

Your piece now has that “custom, artisan finish” — subtle luxury that catches the light without feeling flashy or full on glam!

Already sealed your piece? You can still gild it! Just add a little BB Frösch Finishing Wax over the gold once it’s dry to lock in that glow.

📚 Link Back to Series

Want to master the full process?

• Step 1: Soft Ombré Finish →

• Step 2: Wax & Seal for Depth →

• Step 3: Add Gold Leaf for Fearless Detail (You’re Here!)