Pure gold leaf (24k) will not tarnish or change color over time. Silver leaf, 18k and 12k gold leaf will darken if not sealed against oxidation. Imitation gold leaf, also known as composition leaf or Dutch Leaf, is made of copper and zinc, and will tarnish.

How do you keep gold leaves from tarnishing?

Three coats of spray varnish or one thin coat of MSA Varnish brushed on should be enough to protect the surface from tarnishing. Read the label for the dilution instructions of the brush-on varnish. There are two ways that the metal leaf can tarnish. Sealing with the MSA varnish prevents both kinds.

Does gold leaf wear off?

Uncoated water gilded gold leaf will not tarnish and is impervious to most chemicals and ultra violet light exposure, but can be scratched by your fingernail and wiped away with one swipe of a water wet cloth.