Creating a Metallic Backsplash

​Follow Annie Sloan's step-by-step guide to giving a tired kitchen a real wow-factor with this super-glamorous gilded backsplash.

If you've followed us for some time, you know that Paul and I love a good metallic finish and some of our most popular pieces have been the ones where we've used [more than a little] Metal Leaf.  

​Until now, we've had to search around to find a good brand to use and offer for sale in our shop, but the search is finally over. Annie provided it and we have it!

FIRST, A LITTLE Q&A

What's Metal Leaf all about?
Well, it's very thin sheets of metal, separated by pieces of tissue, that are applied to a surface using Gold Size (basically a glue that remains sticky even after it dries).

Annie has two different kinds of Metal Leaf, what's the difference between them?
Here it is in a nutshell:

• Transfer Leaf - is lightly adhered to the tissue backing so it can easily be placed over large, flat areas like the top of a piece of furniture or on the flat back of a chair.
• Loose Leaf - isn't adhered to the tissue backing so it's great for intricate details and raised carvings.
  

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​Why do we love using Metal Leaf?
Because it's easy to use and it's wildly impressive! 

Photography credit: Jesse Wild

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YOU WILL NEED

• Annie Sloan Transfer Leaf Booklet(s) in Brass (imitation Gold)​
• 1 x Annie Sloan Gold Size
• 1 x 1L Chalk Paint® in Aubusson Blue
• 1 x 750ml Chalk Paint® Gloss Lacquer
• 2 x Small Flat Brush​
• 1 x set of Annie Sloan Sanding Pads
• 1 x tub of baby powder

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STEP-BY-STEP

Paint the surface using Chalk Paint® in Aubusson Blue. Sand lightly if the surface is uneven, using the fine grade Annie Sloan Sanding Pad.

Apply a layer of Annie Sloan Gold Size using a Small Flat Brush. Wash your brush in water immediately!

Place a sheet from the Annie Sloan Transfer Leaf Booklet, face down, backing sheet up. Brush firmly all over with a dry Small Flat Brush to flatten the sheet, being careful not to get any of the Gold Size on your brush. Gently peel back the backing paper.

Repeat with the next Transfer Leaf sheet, carefully lining up with the previous one. Gently remove any excess on the overlap with the dry Small Flat Brush. Continue building up in this way until you have covered the desired area.

To protect your gilded surface, evenly apply Chalk Paint® Clear Lacquer with a Small Flat Brush. This will dry perfectly clear. To maintain your finish, use mild soapy water and avoid harsh chemicals.

ANNIE'S TOP TIP: By necessity the Transfer Leaf sheets are very thin and carry a certain amount of static. To avoid the leaves sticking to your hands, Annie recommends rubbing a small amount of baby powder over your fingers and palms. It will make for stress-free gilding!

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There you have it!  Easy, right? 

This same method can easily be applied to other large, flat surfaces like some of the ones we've done over the years.

Gold Leaf Top on Pure Cradenza

Copper Leaf Top on Midnight Blue (Graphite + Napoleonic mix) Buffet

Silver Leaf Top on English Yellow Side Table (with Giverny Chair)

Give Metal Leaf a try and you'll be sure to wow your family and friends. :-)

As always, just reach out to us if you have any questions.