The technique of applying gold, silver or colored leaf to the surfaces of paintings, vessels and various objects is known as haku-oshi in Japanese.
At PIGMENT TOKYO, we offer several distinct methods for applying metal leaf, each with its own unique characteristics.
For those who are new to gilding technique, we recommend joining one of our workshops.
PIGMENT TOKYO Workshops
In the Introduction to Metal Leaf Workshop, anyone interested in this art form can enjoy creating their own pieces.
By using simple designs and stencils, even beginners can easily experience the beauty and appeal of metal leaf.
PIGMENT ARTICLES [WORKSHOP] “Introduction to Metal Leaf”
For those with experience using other mediums or art materials, we also recommend trying Japanese gilding with your preferred choice of metal leaf and medium.
Here are the metal leaf adhesives available at the PIGMENT TOKYO store.
① Pig Glue for Sizing 20％
This 20% concentration pig glue solution should be diluted with water to the appropriate concentration before use. Although it contains a preservative, the solution is still prone to spoilage, so we recommend storing it in the refrigerator.
If the glue has solidified, you can warm it up by placing the entire bottle in a hot water bath or by transferring an appropriate amount to a glue pot or similar container and heating it.
This Pig Glue is primarily sold as a sizing solution (dosa liquid) to prevent ink from bleeding on washi paper but it can also be used for applying metal leaf. However, when using animal glue for this purpose, the solution tends to dry quickly if used on its own, so to slow down the drying process, consider adding an Alginate Liquid.
For applying metal leaf, dilute the Pig Glue to a solution of 1.5 - 3% and add 1% Alginate Liquid to slow the drying time.
When using it as a binder for gold powder (kindei) or pearl pigments, we also recommend maintaining a 1.5 - 3% concentration.
Since the animal glue solution is prone to spoilage, we advise refrigerating any unused portions and adding a preservative to extend its shelf life.
This product is an original formula developed in our store. It features high transparency and sufficient gel strength to effectively function as dosa sizing without the need for alum.
Because of its clarity, it has minimal visual impact on white substrates as well.
Similar to Pig Glue, Fish Glue serves as a dosa solution to prevent bleeding on paper or silk canvas. It can also be used as an adhesive for applying metal leaf or gold powder (kindei).
This glue is highly transparent and exceptionally strong, making it particularly suitable for metal leaf application. To enhance flexibility, we recommend adding Alginate Liquid, just as with Pig Glue.
Moreover, Fish Glue is also effective for techniques involving scattered gold flakes (sunago). For more details and examples of applications, please refer to the following article.
③ Gilding Size (Missione All'acqua)
If you're looking for an alternative to animal glue for applying metal leaf, we also offer a product called Gilding Size (Missione All'acqua), made in Italy.
Gilding Size is a modern adhesive made from synthetic resin, unlike traditional animal collagen-based glue, it is acrylic-based and remains sticky for an extended period even after the surface has dried.
This characteristic allows for a slower, more controlled application, making it ideal for beginners and for applying metal leaf to fine or intricate shapes.
However, due to its sticky nature, it is not suitable for powdered leaf techniques, such as scattered gold flakes (sunago) or use on fine art paintings.
Its long-lasting stickiness is particularly beneficial for craft projects. Gilding Size is especially effective for applying metal leaf to curved or three-dimensional surfaces, such as spheres or small parts.
One of its greatest strengths is its versatility; it can adhere to a variety of surfaces, including paper, fabric, acrylic, glass, stone and wood. Gilding Size (Missione All'acqua) is now available in three different bottle sizes.
PIGMENT ARTICLES "How to Apply Metal Leaf on 3D Object with Gilding Size"
For detailed instructions, please refer to this article.
④ Sunago Set
For beginners interested in trying out scattered gold flakes (sunago) techniques, we recommend our PIGMENT TOKYO original "Sunago Set".
This set includes a small amount of metal leaf, one type of sunago sieve (note that the mesh size cannot be chosen), an animal glue solution and various tools. All items are conveniently packed in one box, making it easy to get started.
Sunago refers to fine metal flakes and the technique involves sprinkling these flakes onto the surface of the artwork.
This method is widely used to decorate ryoshi paper (a type of decorative paper), such as sutra scrolls and collage boards. In painting, it can be applied as a base layer instead of pigments or used to create the hazy effect around clouds called kasumi in the traditional Japanese Yamato-e painting technique.
PIGMENT TOKYO "Sunago Set"
The process is very simple:
-
Use the bamboo tweezers to pick up the metal leaf and place it into the Sunagozutsu (bamboo sieve).
-
Apply the animal glue solution to the paper surface with a flat brush.
-
Before the glue dries, gently rub the metal leaf flakes inside the Sunagozutsu with a round pounding brush to help scatter them onto the paper surface.
-
Lightly press a piece of scrap paper over the flakes to affix them in place.
By following these four steps, anyone can enjoy this traditional Japanese art technique.
Sprinkling Sunago Flakes
Other than the mentioned solutions, we also offer powdered pig glue and alginate for those who need larger quantities, so feel free to consider purchasing those options.
We hope you enjoy the experience of applying metal leaf with the gilding products exclusively available at PIGMENT TOKYO.
Translated by Atsumi Okano, Nelson Hor Ee Herng
PIGMENT TOKYO Art Materials Experts
Art Materials Expert at PIGMENT TOKYO
Akira Oya
Born in 1989 in Tokyo. Master of Fine Art and Design at Nihon University College of Art.
He also continues his career as a visual artist.
Born in 1989 in Tokyo. Master of Fine Art and Design at Nihon University College of Art.
He also continues his career as a visual artist.