How do you care for gold leaf artwork?

Genuine gold leaf is one of the most durable materials an artist can use. It does not tarnish, it does not degrade, and under stable conditions it will look the same in a hundred years as it does today. The care that art with gold leaf requires is both about protecting the gold and the underlaying materials, which are more vulnerable.

‍

Environment

Stable humidity is the most important environmental factor for any work on a gesso ground. Traditional gesso is a chalk and glue mixture that can absorb and release moisture with changes in humidity. Significant or rapid fluctuations can cause the gesso to expand and contract, which over time can lead to cracking or flaking. These cracks are irreversible.

A stable indoor environment, away from external walls, heating vents, and significant temperature swings, is the appropriate setting for a gold leaf panel.

Direct sunlight should be avoided, not to protect the gold itself but to protect any pigment used over the gold (if applicable) and the panel beneath it. Indirect or diffuse natural light is ideal. Artificial light, including LED, is generally suitable provided it does not generate significant heat.

‍

Handling

Gold leaf surfaces should not be touched. The oils on skin (that most of us are unaware of) can leave marks that are difficult to remove without specialist intervention.

Also, pressure on a gilded surface can leave imprints and dull the shine. When moving a work, wear cotton gloves and hold it at the edges or the back of the panel rather than touching the front.

‍

Cleaning

Gold leaf itself can be cleaned very gently with a soft, dry brush to remove surface dust (like a swiffer). ‍

Do not use any liquid cleaning products on a gold leaf surface, even water.

Any significant cleaning or restoration should be carried out by a conservator with experience in gilded works, not attempted at home.

‍

Display

Art that contains gold leaf benefit from being displayed where the light brings its optical character to life. A static overhead light source that illuminates the work from a fixed angle shows only one version of what the surface does. Positioning where ambient light reaches the work at changing angles across the day allows the full range of the material's behaviour to be seen.

Artist David Roman recommends to display them against north-facing windows, where they get indirect soft light throughout the day, or on a wall that's 90 degrees from a brighter window, where it will get more glow and more variety in lighting throughout the day.