Gold Plating & Gilding
Gold for everyone — from gold leaf to PVD deposition
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Gold plating is the application of gold to a surface (metal, wood, stone) for decorative effect. Methods: 1) Gold leaf (sheets 0.1–0.5 µm, 22–24 karat). 2) Galvanic gilding (electrolysis, 0.5–5 µm). 3) PVD deposition (TiN 'gold-look', ZrN, real Au — 0.1–1 µm). 4) Composition leaf (imitation, Cu-Zn alloy). For furniture: hardware, moldings, frames, inlays, decorative elements, legs, logos.
TECHNICAL PASSPORT
Reception Space uses gilding on 10% of projects: PVD-gold on hardware (handles, hinges), gold leaf on restoration projects (frames, cornices), galvanic — on brass elements. 2026 trend: 'brushed gold' / 'satin gold' — replaced gloss. PVD TiN: most common — gold image × durability × price. Real 24K: ultra-luxury and restoration only.
Varieties & Types
Gold Leaf
$$$$$Sheet 3.15"×3.15", 0.1–0.5 µm, 22–24 karat
Ancient method: thinnest gold sheet (500× thinner than hair) adhered to prepared surface (bole, mordant). Color: warm yellow (24K), pinkish (23K + Cu), greenish (22K + Ag). For: restoration, luxury décor, frames, cornices.
Galvanic Gilding
$$$$Electrolysis: Au on metal, 0.5–5 µm
Electrochemical deposition: real gold from solution onto metal substrate (brass, stainless, copper). Thickness: 0.5 µm (flash) → 5 µm (heavy gold). Color: yellow (24K), rose (Au-Cu), white (Au-Pd). Durability: 5–15 years (depends on thickness).
PVD 'Gold Look' (TiN / ZrN)
$$$Vacuum deposition, 1–5 µm
Titanium nitride (TiN): gold color, hardness 2,000+ HV (10× vs real gold). Zirconium nitride (ZrN): even closer to 24K color. Contains no gold — but visually identical. Durability: 20+ years. For: mass hardware (90% of 'gold' handles = TiN).
Composition Leaf (Imitation)
$$Cu-Zn alloy (brass), leaf format
'Gold on a budget': Cu-Zn alloy leaf applied like gold leaf. Fresh: looks similar. Over time: tarnishes, oxidizes (needs lacquer protection). For: decorative panels, budget restoration, art objects.
Advantages
- ✓Luxury effect — gold = universal symbol of luxury. Works in any style: classic, art deco, modern luxury
- ✓Range of methods — from composition leaf ($3/sq ft) to 24K gold leaf ($90/sq ft): solution for any budget
- ✓PVD — durability: 20+ years, hardness 2,000+ HV (scratchproof). 'Gold' that's harder than steel
- ✓Warm tone — gold color visually 'warms' interior. Pairs with wood, marble, velvet
- ✓Restoration — gold leaf: only authentic method for antique and heritage restoration
- ✓2026 trend — 'brushed gold' / 'satin gold': matte gold replaced gloss. Elegant, not 'flashy'
Limitations
- ⚠Galvanic wears — 0.5–5 µm: thin layer. Friction (handles, legs): wear in 5–10 years → nickel underlayer shows
- ⚠Composition leaf oxidizes — without lacquer: tarnishes in 1–2 years → turns green (copper). Needs protection
- ⚠Gold leaf — expensive and fragile: mechanical abrasion. For furniture: decorative elements only (not functional)
- ⚠'Tasteless' risk — too much gold = garish. Needs restraint (accents, not full coverage)
- ⚠Allergy (galvanic) — nickel underlayer: 10–15% of people — contact dermatitis. For hardware: PVD is safer
- ⚠Imitations — market: 90% of 'gold' hardware = TiN (not gold). Client may be disappointed to learn
Applications
Hardware — handles, hinges, hooks: PVD TiN (90%) or galvanic (luxury). Brushed gold = trend.
Moldings and cornices — gold leaf: palace restoration, luxury apartments. Comp. leaf: budget option.
Frames — mirrors, paintings: gold leaf/comp. leaf. Furniture: gilded TV wall frame, bookshelf.
Inlays — gold strips in marble, wood: luxury countertops, reception desks.
Logos — PVD/galvanic: gold logo on furniture, facades. 'Brand signature' in gold.
Furniture legs — PVD TiN on stainless: 'gold legs' for tables, chairs, cabinets.
Pricing & Economics
Pricing Factors
- ·Method — comp. leaf: base. PVD TiN: ×3. Galvanic Au: ×8. Gold leaf 24K: ×20
- ·Karat — 22K: base. 23K: +10%. 24K: +25%. Rose gold: +15%
- ·Preparation — flat surface: base. Complex relief: +50–100%. Carving: +100–200%
- ·Area — > 50 sq ft: 10–15% discount. > 200 sq ft: 20% discount
- ·Finish — gloss (polished): base. Brushed/satin: +15% (extra processing)
Care & Longevity
Daily Care
Soft dry cloth. Microfiber. Do NOT rub (especially gold leaf and galvanic — removes layer).
What to Avoid
Abrasives (removes gold). Chlorine (destroys galvanic). Ammonia. Acids. Harsh sponges.
Periodic Maintenance
PVD: no care needed (20+ years). Galvanic: wax polish every 6 months. Gold leaf: inspect + restore as needed.
Professional Care
Re-gilding (galvanic): from $18/sq ft. Gold leaf restoration: from $90/sq ft. PVD re-coat: from $15/sq ft.
Expert Reviews
Average Rating · 5 expert reviews
«Gold leaf: the only authentic method. 24K leaf (0.1 µm): applied on bole (clay preparation). Result: warm deep luster impossible to replicate with PVD or paint. For furniture: frames, cornices, capitals. Work: 10 sq ft = 1–2 days. Expensive, but: FOREVER.»
«Brushed gold PVD: my 2026 favorite. On hardware (handles, hinges, legs): elegant without shouting. With marble: divine. With dark wood: wow. Rule: 2–3 gold elements per room, no more. Clients: 'finally gold without tastelessness.' PVD: 20 years — doesn't wear.»
«Galvanic gilding: 70% of orders — hardware (handles on brass substrate). Thickness: 2–3 µm (optimal for furniture). Rose gold (Au-Cu): +30% demand in 2 years. Flash gold (0.5 µm): budget, but wears in 3–5 years. Nickel underlayer: mandatory (adhesion + protection).»
«Kitchen: all handles (16 pcs) — brushed gold PVD. Cost: $12/handle (vs chrome $3). Result: kitchen 'looks like a million.' 2 years: zero scratches, color unchanged. Husband was skeptical: 'gold handles?!' — now he brags to guests himself.»
«Gold in furniture: my DNA. Rule: 1) Reception desk — gold inlay (stripe in marble). 2) Dining — gold chair legs (PVD). 3) Living — mirror frame (23K gold leaf). 4) Bathroom — fixtures and hardware (PVD). Gold budget: 3–5% of furniture. Effect: 300%.»
Frequently Asked Questions
No — TiN (titanium nitride): chemical compound of titanium and nitrogen. Color: gold (spectrum match). Gold content: 0%. Durability: better than real gold (2,000+ HV vs Au 60 HV). 90% of 'gold' hardware worldwide = TiN. Visually: indistinguishable.
Gold leaf: sheet adhered (on wood, plaster, stone). Thickness: 0.1 µm. For: décor, restoration, frames. Galvanic: electrodeposition (metal only). Thickness: 0.5–5 µm. For: hardware, jewelry. Gold leaf: more beautiful (warm luster). Galvanic: more practical (on metal).
Visually (fresh): difficult. Over time: comp. leaf tarnishes → turns green (copper oxidizes). Gold: never tarnishes. Test: drop of nitric acid — comp. leaf blackens, gold doesn't. Magnet: both non-magnetic (not a test). Price: comp. leaf 10× cheaper.
PVD TiN: deposit → brush (fine-grit abrasive). Galvanic: gild → brush. Gold leaf: impossible (too thin). 2026 trend: 80% of orders = brushed/satin gold (not glossy). Elegant, modern, not 'flashy.'
PVD TiN: 20+ years (hardness 2,000+ HV — scratchproof). Galvanic (5 µm): 10–15 years. Galvanic (0.5 µm flash): 2–5 years. Comp. leaf: not for hardware (wears off). Recommendation: PVD for functional hardware, galvanic for decorative.
All styles: 1) Classic/baroque: gold leaf (glossy, abundant). 2) Art deco: geometric gold accents. 3) Modern luxury: brushed gold (minimal, accent). 4) Minimalism: one gold detail (handle, leg). Key: restraint (1–2 elements, not everything).
Brass: yellow (looks like gold) but tarnishes (oxidation). Gilding: protects brass from oxidation + gives 'real' gold color (24K is purer). Thickness: 1–2 µm sufficient. Result: brass handle with gold coating — beautiful AND doesn't tarnish.
PVD TiN: ideal (moisture, chlorine — no problem). Galvanic: OK, but chlorine in water can corrode (after 5–7 years). Gold leaf: no (moisture → delamination). Comp. leaf: no (oxidizes instantly). For bathroom: only PVD or thick galvanic (3+ µm).
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