There are a lot of situations where gold leaf is used and each has it's own different applications......
That said, application in dimensional situations has a few realities that are different from glass work.
One, whatever application tool you use to get the gold to the job, the gold will not conform to the space, seamlessly (least I've never seen it done). It will crack and leave voids. These voids will be covered by applying more gold leaf........usually, it's the loose gold that wasn't captured by size. Moving these pieces around with a gilders tip won't work very well....too floppy. Here is where a gilders mop is used (or any soft, long haired, clean brush.) Some will use a make-up brush......I personally want something with more spring.
The method I use (it's just one of many that do work) is to hold the book between my index and middle fingers (like they were scissors) and hold the open pages between my thumb and index finger. I hold the page half way open. Then I fold the pages under the gold leaf back and hold the book upside down which allows the gold to seperate (hang) from the book......remember, the book is only half open. Next, i bring the back pages back under the leaf. This gets a little air under the leaf and helps it slide off the paper. I start with the edge of the page over the letter so that I can pull the leaf over it. I do that with my mop/brush, which I have charged next to my nose. I now hold the the top pages completely open.....touch the edge of the leaf with my mop......which grabs the leaf....and slide the book out from under the leaf. When i'm across the letter, i fold the remaining leaf back into the "V". Then I gently press the gold onto the size with the mop....the leaf that was folded back onto the letter will be the gold that covers the voids.
I'd post some pictures but I don't know the right way so I hope this will do.
Good luck!!!!!
BTW, gold leaf is a great up-sell!!!
Joe,
Makin Chip$ and Havin Fun!
