Gold leaf & silver

What exactly is gold leaf and what can you use it for?

Gold leaf consists of thin, delicate metal flakes made mainly of gold. It is often used to add decorative accents and create a luxurious look.
Gold leaf can be applied to a variety of materials, such as:
- Artwork: It can be used to decorate paintings, sculptures, and other art objects, giving them a noble shine.
- Jewelry: True goldsmiths sometimes use gold leaf to enhance jewelry pieces such as rings or pendants.
- Furniture: Layered gold leaf can be used on wooden furniture and frames to give them a glamorous look.
- Buildings and Architecture: Gold leaf can be used to gild certain areas of buildings such as domes, towers or ornaments to create a unique and eye-catching effect.
- Culinary: In the restaurant industry, gold leaf is sometimes used to decorate desserts or drinks to give them a luxurious touch.
It is important to note that gold leaf is often very delicate and needs to be handled carefully as it is very thin and fragile. 

What is the best way to apply gold leaf to a cake or dessert?

To apply gold leaf to a cake or dessert, you can follow these steps:
1. Prepare the surface of the cake by smoothing it and possibly covering it with a thin layer of buttercream or ganache. This will serve as the glue for the gold leaf.
2. Cut the gold leaf into smaller pieces or use confetti-style gold leaf for even distribution.
3. Apply a thin layer of edible glue or edible gold lacquer to the desired area of the cake. This edible glue or gold lacquer will act as an adhesive for the gold leaf.
4. Carefully place the gold leaf on the glued area of the cake and gently press until it adheres. Be careful not to touch the gold leaf, as it is very thin and fragile.
5. Repeat this process until you have applied the desired amount of gold leaf.
6. Check carefully to make sure that all the gold leaf pieces adhere well and lie smoothly on the surface. If necessary, you can carefully run a brush or clean cloth over it to smooth it out.
Note: Gold leaf is safe for consumption, but should only be used as a decorative element on food.

What is the best way to apply gold leaf to a cake or dessert?

Applying gold leaf to a cake or dessert requires some skill and patience. Here are the steps on how to do it best:
1. Make sure the surface of the cake or dessert is smooth, clean and dry. You may want to spread a thin layer of frosting or buttercream on the cake beforehand for a smoother surface.
2. Cut the gold leaf into small, manageable pieces. Place a piece of gold leaf on a commercial gold leaf transfer paper or a special gold leaf pad.
3. Carefully pick up the gold leaf with clean, dry tweezers or a special gold leaf brush. Be careful not to touch the gold leaf, as it is very thin and tears easily.
4. Carefully place the gold leaf on the desired area of the cake or dessert. Press it lightly to hold it in place, making sure there are no air bubbles or wrinkles.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to apply more pieces of gold leaf to the cake or dessert. Be sure to spread the gold leaf evenly or create specific patterns, depending on your desired design.
6. When you are finished applying gold leaf, you can carefully run a brush or an adhesive brush over the gold leaf to remove excess gold and spread it evenly. Be very careful when doing this so as not to damage the gold leaf.
7. Allow the cake or dessert to dry and make sure the gold leaf adheres well before serving or further processing.
It is important to use clean tools and surfaces to achieve the best adhesion and appearance of the gold leaf. With practice and patience, you will be able to achieve a beautiful gold accent on your cake or dessert.

Is gold leaf or silver leaf edible?

Yes, gold leaf and silver leaf are considered edible and are actually used in some foods. It is often used as decoration for cakes, chocolates, drinks or other fine foods. However, there are legal regulations that govern the purity and use of gold leaf and silver leaf in food. It is important to ensure that the gold leaf or silver leaf used meets the appropriate guidelines and is safe for consumption.

Where to buy gold leaf or silver leaf?

You can buy gold leaf and silver leaf at various specialty stores or online. Here are some places where you can find these products:
1. Craft stores: Stores that specialize in art materials and supplies often have gold leaf and silver leaf for sale.
2. Online stores: There are many online retailers that offer gold leaf and silver leaf. In the online store of miniSchoggi you can find gold leaf and silver leaf for sale.
3. Craft stores: Some larger craft stores also carry gold leaf and silver leaf in their assortment. You can also ask here if the product is not immediately obvious.
4. Jewelry stores: Some jewelry stores also carry gold leaf and silver leaf for jewelry making.
5. Manufacturers or wholesalers: If you need larger quantities of gold leaf or silver leaf, it may be worthwhile to ask manufacturers or wholesalers directly if they sell these products.
It is advisable to compare prices and product quality before deciding to buy.

How many carats of gold leaf?

Gold leaf usually has a carat number of 22 to 24 carats.