How To: Gold-Leaf Accent Wall

Add a dazzling accent to a wall with our decorating ideas for an easy-to-apply gold leaf.

HRIPR-107_GoldLeaf_After

Materials and Tools:

painters tape
220-grit sandpaper (optional)
drop cloths/newspaper
Rolco Acrylic Topcoat
adhesive
one 50-meter roll of imitation gold leaf (covers approximately 80 square feet of wall area)
one gallon Ace Sensations paint Canyon Wall
3/4-inch soft goat-hair gilder's brush
two paint brushes
two paint rollers
two paint trays

HRIPR-107_GoldLeaf_Step6

Steps:

1. Prime and paint the entire wall with the room color. Prep the area for gold leafing, covering the floors and defining the gold leafing area with painters tape. Smooth any rough areas with sandpaper.

2. Apply the adhesive to the gold leafing area carefully and as evenly as possible. Allow the adhesive to become tacky on the wall; this process can take from 30 minutes to three hours.

3. Once the adhesive has tacked, you can begin applying the gold leaf. Carefully fold back the protective paper to expose the gold leaf, lay it out onto the area and roll it out onto the wall surface. Make sure to hold the leaf firmly and carefully so it does not tear.

HRIPR-107_GoldLeaf_Step7

4. After the leaf has been adhered to the surface, gently rub the leaf with a gilder's brush. Seal the finished wall with a thin layer of acrylic topcoat over the gilded area and allow to dry.

Next Up

How to Whitewash Wood: Whitewashing and Pickling Techniques

Easily brighten and add rustic charm to furniture and a variety of wood surfaces with these budget-friendly whitewashing and pickling techniques.

How to Paint With Wall Stencils

For an inexpensive alternative to wallpaper — and a creative wall-treatment that adds visual interest and a touch of whimsy — check out this simple how-to for applying a paint pattern using wall stencils.

What's the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer?

These terms for a finish or top coat are often used interchangeably, but there is a big difference. Learn when and where to use the correct one.

How to Limewash Walls

Learn how to create elegantly textured walls using a limewash paint technique for a look that's suited for many interior design styles.

Top 10 Ways to Paint Like a Pro

For a professional-looking paint job, do what the experts do.

How to German Smear a Brick Fireplace

Give your fireplace a faux finish that mimics what you'd find in old European cottages with a German smear mortar wash.

How to Repair Drywall

A well-placed piece of art may be the quickest way to disguise a hole in your wall. But for a professional fix, follow our tips on how to patch a hole in drywall.

How to Refinish a Table

Easily refinish a dated or worn wood table to give it a fresh look.

How to Find Studs in a Wall Without Using a Stud Finder

Finding wall studs without a stud finder doesn't have to be a guessing game. If you're hanging something heavy on the wall, follow these best practices and pinpoint a stud with ease.

How to Install a Board and Batten Accent Wall

This simple tutorial will teach you how to install traditional board and batten wood paneling, plus tips for installing wallpaper above it.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.