How It's Made: Silver Leafing
Today at Grayson Luxury, we’re sharing how Caracole creates a gilded, metallic surface on wood and metal.
First, raw frames are sanded and coated with 3 different base coats and then left to dry for 60 minutes. Then the glue is applied and left to dry to the appropriate tackiness before applying the leaf.
Silver leaf sheets are then tiled along the surface and overlapped in order to cover the entire surface of the frame. Each layer of leafing must air dry 24 hours before sanding and adding another layer. This step is repeated several times.
Silver and gold leafing is a very labor-intensive process. It involves several steps of leaf application, days of drying, and gentle brushing and sanding in order to achieve a beautiful leaf application that shines with elegance. Tiling, color variation and cracks or lines in your silver/gold leaf are normal and add to the character of this detailed application.
Get the look
Caracole Shell It Like It Is Sideboard
This stunning piece offers a modern organic aesthetic. Its two drawer fronts and end panels boast exquisite Silver Capiz Shell and are framed in Soft Silver Leaf. In bold contrast, its top is finished in Midnight Maple over Black Curly Maple veneers and provides an ideal surface for displaying a vase or favorite finds. Each shapely leg wears a Soft Silver Leaf finish and is capped with a metal ferrule.
Caracole Shining Star Nightstand
When it comes to decorating, the smallest pieces can make the biggest impact.
This remarkable case features classic contours, refined details, and is finished in Soft Silver Leaf. Its function is ensured by a shelf and a drawer for hidden storage.
A Soft Silver Paint adds elegance to its drawer interior, making it almost too beautiful to cover up.
Caracole Very Appealing Arm Chair
Sit back and relax in style with this on-trend armchair. Its striking silhouette is finished in Soft Silver Leaf and complements its upholstered seat, front, and back. Designed for entertaining, it's as great for casual, everyday meals as it is for holidays and parties. Upholstered seat, inside and outside back.
Caracole Social Butterfly Sofa
Fluttering into your living room is the Social Butterfly sofa. A true Caracole classic, Caracole, this conversational sofa is distinguished by delicately carved insets into the arms that mimic gracefully curving wooden outlines of butterfly wings which flicker in a Pure Silver finish. With its smaller silhouette, this is the perfect piece for a nook or sitting room. Its thin frame and seat pillows are covered in a dressy white fabric that has a basketweave texture and a hint of shimmer.
Bernhardt Somerset Dining Table
Caracole Come Oval Here Cocktail Table
Not only does the oval shape encourage easy movement and flow around a seating area, but this clever cocktail table also adds such sparkle to a room. Available in our most popular silver and gold leaf finish, Pompeii, and complemented by a rich Charcoal-finished base. A perfect transitional piece – it works in both traditional or contemporary settings.
Linear Italian styling has been given a modern twist with the addition of a lustrous Auric silver leaf finish and beautiful beveled antique mirror facades. This carved dresser features six soft-close side drawers with custom-designed square metal/mirrored pulls. Two center doors open to reveal a tray drawer and one shelf for generous storage. The entire interior is finished in sparking Gold Bullion Paint. Beautifully carved square tapered feet with metal ferrules lift this piece off the ground in style.
Source: caracole.com