Gold Leaf House Numbers
Gold leaf has long been used for exterior house numbers, enhancing the appearance of a property and adding a touch of class and sophistication to a home.
This is one area where cheap vinyl is simply not appropriate. 23+ct gold will shine brightly for decades and it is common to see gilded house numbers done in the 50’s still in excellent condition. A gold leaf house number is an investment for your home and there are many options from style, to shades of gold that can be used to perfectly compliment your existing exterior decor.
Where can gold leaf house numbers be painted?
Gilding can be successfully completed on a wide range of surfaces. It is most common to see house numbers on the small window above the front door, known as the transom or on stone pillars outside the home. Pretty much any surface can be gilded though, there are various techniques appropriate for each surface varying in complexity and timescale.
How much does a gold leaf house number cost?
Usually a number can be completed in a day. Duncan’s numbers are all one off, traditionally hand drawn, no shortcuts such as vinyl masking are used. Because of this costs may vary slightly but as a general guideline costs are from £250 for a single number to £350 for whole words etc.
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Styles and Techniques
There are various methods that can be used when gilding, depending on the surface and the style required. The most striking is the mirror gild on glass, a complex traditional method of laying 23.5ct gold leaf.
Also possible is the matte gild, which uses a special glue called size to adhere the gold to the surface. Combinations of the two are also possible.
There are many types of gold from the classic 23+ ct to 12ct white gold for a silver effect..
In addition to the fanlight/transom windows where house names and numbers are typically applied, gateposts and other surfaces outside the home can be gilded, such as the rough sandstone gatepost seen here. With the correct preparation, almost any surface can be gilded, creating a durable weather proof sign that will last for many years.
