Here's how it's done :
1. Apply a thin, even coating of adhesive to the surface, which must be dry and free of grease and dust.

2. After about 15 min. lay on the leaf metal and tamp down whith a soft cloth or brush. For larger surfaces lay on the leaves so that they overlap. Allow to dry for 2 - 3 hours.

3.Using a paintbrush, brush in the leaf metal, making circular movements ; remove any overhanging pieces and collect them in a container. When applied in this overlapping way, the flakes produce smooth gilded surfaces.

4. Use Shellac to protect the well-dried metal surface against moisture and oxidation.