Gold-Leaf Lampshade

Decorative painter Marie McGehee creates a striped lampshade using glistening gold leaf.

Materials:

plain metal lampshade
painter's tape
gold leaf adhesive
gold leaf sheets
soft-bristled brush
mineral spirits
wood stain

Steps:

1. Begin by wrapping 1/2-inch painter's tape around the lampshade in stripes. (The bare strips between the tape don't need to be exact.)
2. Brush on gold leaf adhesive in the bare areas on the lampshade. Let the adhesive dry for about five minutes until tacky to the touch.
3. Apply gold leaf to the shade. Using a Chinese brush or some soft-bristled brush, gently tap the gold leaf sheet to the surface and allow to dry about 10 minutes.
4. Pull off the tape. To clean up any unwanted adhesive, dip a Q-Tip in mineral spirits and rub onto the surface. Wipe off with a dry rag.
5. Using another brush, apply a Fruitwood wood stain. Marie suggests the Benjamin Moore brand for this particular project to achieve proper consistency and tone for the antiquing procedure.
6. Before stain dries, crumple up a few soft paper towels and pounce the lampshade. This is called "ragging off," and adds a rich look to the surface.

Also in this Episode

Decorating With Style : Episode DWS-128
•	Gold-Leaf Lampshade
•	Designer Details
•	Painting Windows