Project

Silver Leaf Cabinet

Transform an ordinary display cupboard into a gleaming fixture. Silver leaf lends luster to the interior; it is also an accent on the doors.

Source: Martha Stewart Living, September 2005

Introduction

The pale-green base color matches the walls for a built-in effect. Crown molding and polished-nickel knobs complete the look. Aluminum leaf looks almost identical to silver but doesn't tarnish.

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materials

Silver-leaf sizing

4-inch roller

Aluminum leaf

Gilder's tip paintbrush

Large paintbrush

steps

Remove the back of your cabinet and paint it silver, so any cracks in leafing won't show.
Apply sizing with roller, and let dry until tacky, about 30 minutes. Rub gilder's tip brush on your sleeve to generate static, and wave it over a square of leaf, which will rise to meet it. Hold the sheet near the surface—it will adhere to the sizing when the gilder's tip gets close.
Tap the sheet into place with the dry paintbrush. Continue, overlapping squares by 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
Smooth edges with the dry brush.