How does one remove gold leaf ( found at hobby stores) from an object?

Question

This plastic gold film was applied with a white adhesive like modge podge.

Answer 1

if it is plastic then it isn't real gold leaf, which does go on in a similar way, but is taken off differently.

Being plastic you may be able to heat it and use a neutrally cohesive material to pick it up, like removing candle wax with a hairdryer and a paper bag from wooden furniture or carpet.

Try a really fine grit sand paper if all you need to do is take it off enough to prime for something else to be put on top.

If its the proper type of adhesive, you could use mineral spirits to loosen the adhesive bond, but that will only work if its on non porous materials.

Answer 2

If it really is a "white adhesive like Mod Podge," then it's a form of white glue or sizing. The only way to get that off is to peel it off or scrape/sand it off... if the object is waterproof, you can try soaking it in water for awhile to cause the white glue to soften and fail, then peel it off after it loosens.

If the gold was not gold "leaf" (which is metal) but gold "foil" (which is plastic), you can try heating it too, which may allow any glue behind the foil to soften and release the plastic.


Good luck!

Diane B.