Master the Art of Gilding and Gold Leaf Application

A hands-on gold leaf and gilding workshop taught by Ronald Layman at the North American School of Decorative Arts™ in Frederick, Maryland.

Master the Art of Gold Leaf

Gold leaf has been used for centuries on palaces, churches, frames, furniture, murals, architectural details, and decorative finishes.

In this hands-on class, students learn traditional and modern gilding methods including water gilding, oil gilding, loose leaf, transfer leaf, burnishing, antiquing, and decorative applications.

Traditional Gilding Water Gilding Oil Guilding

Gold leaf basics Rabbit skin glue Oil Size
Loose leaf and transfer leaf Clay bole Tack timing
Genuine and imitation leaf Burnishing Exterior applications
Surface preparation Antique frame techniques Architectural guilding

Perfect For

Decorative painters, muralists, furniture restorers, artists, contractors, plaster artisans, sign painters, and beginners who want professional training.

Course Includes Course Scheule
Hands-on instruction Day 1: Surface preperation, tools, materials
Multiple study samples Day 2: Traditional water guilding
Finished decorative project Day 3: Oil guilding techniques
Course manual Day 4: Ageing, distressing, antiquing
Supplier list Day 5: Final projectand advanced demonstrations
Certificate of completion

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience?
No. This class is beginner-friendly.

Will I use real gold leaf?
Yes. Students learn genuine and imitation leaf systems.

Can gold leaf be used with Venetian plaster?
Yes. This class includes decorative applications with plaster and specialty finishes.

Gold Leaf Restoration

Traditional Gold Leaf Class | Learn Professional Gilding Techniques at NASODA