Overview

Gilding made simple. Annie Sloan Gold Size is a water-based adhesive designed specifically for applying metal leaf and bronze powders to furniture and decorative surfaces, giving you the confidence to add a touch of gold, silver or copper to your projects quickly, cleanly and beautifully.

What makes Gold Size so satisfying to use is its clever drying process. Apply a thin layer to your surface and watch it transform, first white, then purple, then finally transparent. That moment of clarity is your cue: the Size is now perfectly tacky and ready for metal leaf. No guesswork, no rushing, no wasted leaf. Just a reliable, forgiving adhesive that stays sticky once dry, giving you the time and control to position your leaf exactly where you want it.

Available in a 100ml tub, Gold Size is concentrated and efficient, a little goes a long way, making it ideal for detailed gilding work on furniture, picture frames, mouldings and decorative accessories. Use it alongside Annie Sloan Metal Leaf for stunning gilded results that elevate any painted or unpainted piece.

• Water-based and clear-drying - applies white, turns purple as it dries, then transparent when ready
• Stays tacky when dry - no rush; the Size remains workable once transparent so leaf can be applied with care
• 15 minute drying time - quick enough to keep projects moving, slow enough to work with precision
• Works with metal leaf and bronze powders - versatile gilding adhesive for a range of metallic finishes
• Ideal for detailed work - perfect for furniture, mouldings, frames and decorative accessories
• Easy cleanup - simply wash brushes in water immediately after use

Preparation

Ensure your surface is clean, dry and fully painted or prepared before applying Gold Size.

• If applying over Chalk Paint™, ensure the paint is completely dry first, Gold Size can be applied directly over dry Chalk Paint™
• Have your metal leaf or bronze powder ready and within reach before you begin, once the Size is transparent you'll want to work without delay
• Use a good quality brush to apply, wash it in water immediately after use before the Size dries on the bristles

Application

• Apply a thin, even layer of Gold Size over the area you wish to gild using a brush
• The Size will appear white when first applied, this means it is still wet and not yet ready
• Watch for the colour to shift from white to purple, and finally to transparent, this takes approximately 15 minutes depending on temperature and how thickly it was applied.
• Once fully transparent and tacky to the touch, the Size is ready, do not apply leaf while it is still white or purple, as the leaf will slip rather than adhere
• Carefully lay your metal leaf onto the sized area, pressing gently with your fingers through the backing sheet
• Smooth the leaf down and remove any excess with a soft, dry cloth using light, sweeping motions
• For bronze powders, dab gently onto the tacky surface using a soft brush or cloth
• Once the leaf is applied and fully dry, seal with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ Lacquer or Clear Wax to protect the gilded finish