How to Make Gold-Leafed Holiday Candlesticks

Update a collection of old candlestick holders with gold leaf to create a beautiful holiday centerpiece.
Gilded Candlestick Centerpiece

Gilded Christmas Candlesticks

Don't settle for any old candles in your Christmas centerpiece. It's only a little extra effort to dress up some mismatched candlesticks with gold leaf. The gilded treatment ties the candlesticks together so the table looks warm and unified.

By: Janell Beals

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Materials Needed:

  • collection of candlesticks in varying heights
  • fine-grit sandpaper
  • tack cloth
  • gold-leaf sheets
  • liquid adhesive
  • gold-leaf sealer
  • gold-leaf antiquing
  • 2 foam brushes

Gather Supplies

Find a collection of old or worn candlestick holders and collect needed supplies.

Components for Creating Gold Leaf Candlestick

Making Gold-Leafed Candlesticks

In step 1, find a collection of old or worn candlestick holders and collect needed supplies.

Sand Surfaces

Lightly sand candlestick holder surfaces to remove any existing finish.

Sand away old finishes.

Remove Old Finish

In step 2, lightly sand candlestick holder surfaces to remove any existing finish.

Wipe Clean

Wipe away dust with tack cloth.

Cleaning Candlesticks

Prep Candlesticks for Painting

In step 3, wipe the dust from the candlesticks with a tack cloth.

Apply Adhesive

Brush all surfaces with gold-leaf liquid adhesive. Let set approximately 30 minutes until tacky.

Apply gold-leaf adhesive to candlesticks.

Brushing on Adhesive

In step 4, brush all surfaces with gold-leaf liquid adhesive. Let set approximately 30 minutes until tacky.

Apply Gold Leaf

Lay sheets of gold leaf over candlestick surfaces and press into place with foam brush. Repeat until entire surface is covered.

 Applying Gold Leaf

Add a Golden Touch

In step 5, lay sheets of gold leaf over candlestick surfaces and press into place with foam brush. Repeat until entire surface is covered.

Wipe Away Excess Leafing

Brush away loose particles with foam brush.

Brush off excess gold leaf particles.

Painting a Gold Leaf Candlestick

In step 6, brush away loose particles of the gold leaf with a foam brush.

Apply Sealer

Brush on layer of gold-leaf sealer. Let dry 30 minutes.

Apply gold-leaf sealer.

Seal the Gold

In step 7, brush on layer of gold-leaf sealer. Let dry 30 minutes.

Apply Antiquing Finish

Brush on layer of gold-leaf antiquing finish.

Candlesticks with gold leaf finish

Apply Antiquing Finish

In step 8, brush on layer of gold-leaf antiquing finish.

Rub In and Wipe Away

Rub antiquing finish into cracks and ridges. Wipe away any excess with rag.

Gold Leaf Candlesticks Artistically Tarnished

Apply Antique Finish

In step 9, rub antiquing finish into cracks and ridges. Wipe away any excess with rag.

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