Pure Palladium Leaf Rolls
Palladium Leaf in roll form—also known as Palladium Ribbon Leaf—is highly valued by gilders for its non-tarnishing properties, making it an excellent choice for both interior and exterior applications. It is created by laying individual sheets of palladium leaf onto a continuous length of lightweight paper with slight overlaps, allowing for rapid, controlled application across large surfaces while maintaining the precision required for fine gilding work.
Palladium is a rare, lustrous, silvery-white metal in the same family as platinum, prized for its durability, resistance to tarnish, and contemporary finish.
Because of its paper backing, Palladium Leaf Rolls do not require a gilder’s tip and can be applied by unrolling and pressing the leaf directly onto a surface prepared with oil or synthetic size. However, like other ribbon leaf formats, the backing prevents the metal from reaching into ornate crevices or recessed details, making it best suited for flat or gently contoured surfaces.
Standard master rolls measure approximately 3-3/8 inches (85 mm) in width and 67 feet (20.5 meters) in length. Each roll is assembled by placing 3-3/8 inch square leaves along the paper with an approximate 2 mm overlap, creating a continuous ribbon for streamlined application. A single roll provides approximately 18 square feet of coverage without waste or overlap, making it an efficient solution for large-scale projects. Rolls can also be cut to length with scissors, and custom widths (as narrow as 10 mm) are available upon request.
Palladium Leaf Rolls are ideal for:
• Exterior gilding and exposed environments
• Large-scale gilding projects
• Architectural accents and finishes
• Frames and fine art applications
• Decorative and contemporary surfaces
• Conservation and mixed-metal work
Due to the presence of wax residue from the rolling process, water-based topcoats are not recommended, as they may not properly adhere to the gilded surface. Oil-based or solvent-based sealers are generally more suitable and can be applied without special preparation.
Like other forms of metal leaf, Palladium Ribbon Leaf is sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Proper storage helps maintain adhesion between the leaf and backing paper, ensuring consistent performance during application.
For best results, store rolls at normal room temperature and humidity, and keep them wrapped or sealed to prevent environmental fluctuations.
When properly handled and applied, Palladium Leaf Rolls offer a sleek, durable, and efficient alternative to traditional gold leaf—delivering a clean, modern metallic finish with the added benefit of long-lasting, non-tarnishing performance.
