Gilded building details made from wood, stone, fiberglass and metal take on the dynamic qualities of gold—its luster and color.  The correct selection of gold leaf, its gold content and thickness will ensure a long lasting gilded ornament.

Gold Content—Gold leaf is manufactured in a wide range of colors and karats.  Leaf made from 100% gold is 24 karat leaf.  To produce a variety of colors, copper and silver are mixed with gold.  When copper is added, the leaf becomes warmer and richer in tone.  When silver is added, the leaf becomes paler in tone.  The addition of these metals lowers the karat value of gold leaf.  Gold leaf is manufactured in a range from 9kt "white" to 24kt "fine" gold.

Gold is completely resistant to corrosion.  The addition of silver and copper lowers the resistance of gold leaf to corrosion.  However, the copper or silver in 23kt or 23.75kt leaf is so low that it will maintain its integrity outdoors for 30 years or more.  A dome, building detail, or outdoor statue will require 23kt to 23.75kt leaf that ranges from 96% to 98.5% in purity.  Karats less than 23 are recommended for indoor use and many colors and karats are available.

Leaf Thickness and Weight—Leaf thickness is best described as grams per 1000 leaaves.  This measurement is used to compare one variety with another.  The appropriate weight of leaf for an outdoor surface is 18 to 23 grams per 1000 leaves.  The heavier the leaf, the longer it will repel the abrasive effects of snow, rain, wind, dust and sand particles.

When selecting gold leaf for an exterior architectural project, look first for the gold content and gram weight.  A 23kt to 23.75kt gold leaf weighing 18 to 23 grams/1000 leaves properly applied will shine for decades on your next architectural gilding project.