This Golden Leaf - The Origins of Dutch Metal Leaf

There is very little written concerning the origins of this golden leaf.

Dutch metal leaf is known by various names; Imitation gold leaf, composition gold leaf,  Dutch gold and in Germany it is known as Schlagmetal.

I am of the opinion that it probably originated during the industrial era. 

It was during this time that a new middle class was emerging and creating a demand for cheaper work.

There are many examples of 19th century gilded picture frames which employed dutch metal leaf.

Also the alloys used in the production of this golden leaf do not have anything like the malleability of genuine gold, I am certain some form of mechanical or hydraulic press would be needed to produce the leaf.

Imitation gold alloy

The leaf comes in a range of different alloys which creates various shades.

No 1 Is a very deep red, composed of an alloy of 10% zinc and 90% copper.

No 2 Is a red/gold color, composed of an alloy of 12% zinc and 88% copper.

No2 ½ Has a color similar to that of 22K gold leaf, an alloy composed of 15% zinc and 85% copper. This is the colour I recommend and use myself

No 3 Is a yellow color, composed of an alloy of 18% zinc and 82% copper. 

These alloys when combined, closely resembles the fine appearance of genuine gold metals.

The thickness of the leaf is approximately 0.3 microns.

Each book of this golden leaf contains 25 leaves about 5 inches square.

When genuine gold leaf is used outside it has to be protected with a clear varnish,  imitation gold leaf is the same, it has to be protected with a  lacquer, but this is not a problem as almost all the glazes and ageing processes shown on this site call for the leaf to be given a coating of lacquer of some sort.

OK, now we come to a very important subject. How to handle gold leaf.