How to: Mod Podge for Gold Leaf

Can you use Mod Podge for Gold Leaf? Indeed you can, and, since it has such a wide variety of applications, it is a very popular choice among seasoned gold leafers.

Table of Contents

• Can You Use Mod Podge for Gold Leaf?
• Using Mod Podge to Gold Leaf a Planter
• Which Glue is Best for Gold Leaf?
• How to Seal Gold Leaf
• Using Mod Podge to Gold Leaf some Jewelry Dishes
• Final Words
• FAQs Mod Podge for Gold Leaf

Can You Use Mod Podge for Gold Leaf?

Yes, indeed you can. Any clear sealant or varnish works well to seal the leaf, and you won’t have to worry about it rubbing off or getting tarnished. You especially want to seal the metal leaf before painting over or near it.

Mod Podge (or any other water-based adhesive for that matter) should be applied thickly before applying the gold leaf. Using a dry fluffy brush, sweep the gold leaf into the wet Mod Podge without allowing it to contact the glue. Allow it to dry completely before gently brushing away any extra gold leaf. If necessary, reapply the gold leaf, and repeat the aforementioned steps.

Using Mod Podge to Gold Leaf a Planter

Let’s take a look and see how we might use this sealant in action.

What You Will Need

• Mod Podge gloss
• planters
• succulents
• gilding sheets
• foam brush
• craft paint

Step 1: Color Scheming

Decide on the color scheme, and start painting the plant pots. This should take between 2-3 coats each, depending on the color.

Step 2: Gilding

First, put your Mod Podge on your planter using your foam brush. Lay your gilding sheet on top of the layer of Mod Podge, then press in firmly and allow to dry for 30 minutes or so.

Step 3: Brushing Off the Excess Gold Leaf

Carefully remove the gilding sheet, brush off the excess gilding material, and, if desired, seal with a clear acrylic sealer to set.

Which Glue is Best for Gold Leaf?

There are more options than ever available for gold leaf adhesive, but which is the best?

You can use most thinned glues, though you should always make sure to use water-based adhesives, not oil-based ones. There are even specific metal leaf adhesives like Speedball Mona Lisa Adhesive, which work great!

These types of glues are also known as adhesive sizing in the world of gilding techniques and you would apply it with a soft bristle brush.

You can also use a spray adhesive, although it’s a bit harder to control than applying with a brush. You should always hold the spray can a reasonable distance away from the gold and use painter’s tape, the latter of which helps keep the spray adhesive in a particular area without overlap.

That said, Mod Podge is still for many the best glue for gold leaf. It’s cost-efficient, easy to apply, and dries clear. It also provides the fragile gold leaf with a good amount of protection. You can add multiple layers of the sealant to make it stronger.

How to Seal Gold Leaf

Adding gold leaf to the canvas gives a piece a final touch that you can scarcely achieve otherwise. The best part – and something many don’t understand – is that metal leafing is also pretty straightforward to use.

You should always seal any metal leaves you’re using before moving on to painting as without it the layers could start to smudge.

It is recommended that you sketch out your image on the canvas, then fill in areas with gold leaf. You can also add painter’s tape to ensure your other materials don’t get on the metal.

In order to seal the gold leaf, you’ll next need to take the sealant of your choice and follow the instructions listed on it – these things can vary considerably.

Some products, for example, ask that you dilute the glue, while others don’t, so you’ll want to make sure before you add it to your work. Using Mod Podge is, in a lot of ways, one of the easiest methods by which to seal your canvas as all you need is a brush.

Using a soft-bristled, square brush, apply the sealant only to the gold areas. You can avoid any areas that you plan on adding paint to later. Make sure to let it dry for a few hours before handling the artwork to avoid any damage.

It’s also important to make sure there are no pets or outdoor debris while you are sealing artwork lest they become enshrined in the work forevermore. Sometimes a bug, dog hair, or even lint can land on your canvas as it’s drying, and it’ll become part of your artwork, though this might be appealing to some.

Using Mod Podge to Gold Leaf some Jewelry Dishes

Here’s another method so you can see how Mod Podge gold leaf works in action, and how long gold leaf lasts while we’re at it.

What You Will Need

• Wooden bowls, trays, etc
• Gold leaf (or metallic gold paint)
• Gentle Gold leaf brush
• Mod Podge
• Acrylic paint
• Paint brushes
• Painters tape

Step 1: Painting

Hand-paint a design on one section of the bowl with a color of your choosing.

Let the first coat dry and paint another two to three coats of paint until you’re happy with the result.

Step 2: Drying

Allow these layers to fully dry before proceeding.

Step 3: Applying Adhesive

Apply your Mod Podge in the design that you wish your gold leaf to adhere to the bowl in, whether that be overlapping with the paint design or otherwise. Once the Mod Podge gets tacky, you can use your hand to apply the gold leaf and accompanying wax sheet.

Step 4: Brushing

Use a gold leaf brush to smooth over the whole area and gently wipe away any excess gold leaf. Pay extra attention to the edges and allow the edges to be rough and a bit organic in some areas.

Step 5: Sealing

Once the gold leaf is perfected, gently brush over the leaf with some Mod Podge to seal it to the bowl, then leave it to completely dry. This is the beauty of Mod Podge as it works as both an adhesive and a sealant.

Final Words

So, there you have it! Hopefully, this has enlightened you in some way!

FAQs Mod Podge for Gold Leaf