Mont marte Leafing size glue

The adhesive that makes metal leaf stick

Metal leaf is paper-thin, and it only sticks well to a surface that’s been prepared with the right glue. Leafing size is that glue. You brush on a thin coat, let it dry until it’s tacky, and the leaf grabs it the moment it touches down, giving you a bright, even metallic finish.

Mont Marte Leafing Size is a water-based gilding adhesive, so there are no harsh fumes and no solvents. It stays workable for a long time once it’s tacky, so you can lay your leaf at your own pace. It dries to a translucent finish and washes off your brushes with water. It’s made for gold, silver, and copper leaf, and it’s friendly enough for beginners.

Why you’ll like it

• Water-based, non-toxic, and easy to use
• Ready to use straight from the bottle, with no mixing or thinning
• Stays tacky for up to 24 hours, so there’s no rush to lay your leaf
• Dries to a translucent finish
• Works on porous and non-porous surfaces
• Cleans up with water
• Suitable for gold, silver, and copper leaf
• A 60ml bottle that goes a long way, since you only need a thin coat

Surfaces it works on
Wood, plaster, glass, metal, leather, canvas, and more. That covers picture frames, furniture, artworks, glassware, leather goods, and plaster pieces.

Great for

• Gilding picture frames, mirrors, and furniture
• Adding gold, silver, or copper accents to paintings and canvases
• Decorative lettering and borders
• Handmade cards, place cards, and invitations
• Home decor, vases, and candle holders
• Jewellery boxes, boards, and craft projects
• Art classes and workshops

How to use

1. Prepare a clean, dry, smooth surface. Seal very porous surfaces first so the size doesn’t soak in.
2. Use a soft brush to apply a thin, even coat of leafing size to the area you want to gild.
3. Wait for the size to turn tacky. It usually takes 25 to 60 minutes, depending on the humidity and how thick the coat is. It should feel sticky but not wet.
4. Lay the leaf sheet over the tacky size, and press it down gently with a soft, dry brush or a cotton ball.
5. Brush away the excess leaf and fill any gaps with small pieces of leaf.
6. Once you’re happy with the finish, seal the leaf with a clear varnish or sealer to protect it from tarnishing and scratches.

Tips for better results

• Apply the size in a thin, even coat. A thick coat dries unevenly and can leave a wrinkled finish.
• Work in a draught-free room, since the leaf is so light that even a small breeze can blow it away.
• Handle the leaf with clean, dry hands or a soft brush, and keep your fingers away from the size.
• Wash your brush with soap and water soon after use, since dried size is hard to remove.
• Keep the lid on tightly when you’re not using the bottle.

• Imitation metal leaf (such as copper or imitation gold) can tarnish over time if it isn’t sealed. A coat of varnish protects the finish.
• Test on a small area first if you’re gilding a new surface.
• Gold, silver, and copper leaf are sold separately. Check that the leaf you buy is suitable for use with water-based size.
• Keep out of reach of young children.