Coo-Var Finest Pale Gold Size | Gilding Adhesive for Gold Leaf & Mixing Varnish

• Apply gold leaf or metal leaf to wood, metal, plaster or glass surfaces — interior or exterior
• Create decorative gilded finishes on furniture, picture frames or architectural mouldings
• Apply gold size to exterior surfaces including signboards, exterior architectural mouldings and outdoor decorative features
• Use a clear, high-gloss gilding size that dries without discolouring the gold or metal leaf
• Use a mixing varnish for specialist decorative paint finishes
• Apply a professional-quality gilding adhesive trusted by decorators and gilders

• The surface has not been properly prepared — surfaces must be clean, dry and free from contaminants before applying
• You require a water-based gilding size — this is a solvent-based product that cleans up with Thinners 14, not water
• You require a coloured size — Coo-Var Finest Pale Gold Size is clear only

Coo-Var Finest Pale Gold Size is a specialist solvent-based adhesive preparation formulated for gilding work and use as a mixing varnish. Developed by Coo-Var — a British coatings manufacturer with over 115 years of heritage — it is designed for use when applying gold leaf and other metal leaf to prepared surfaces, providing a reliable, clear adhesive base that dries to a high-gloss finish.

Gold size is applied to the prepared surface by brush and allowed to reach the correct tack before gold leaf is laid. The clear, gloss formula provides an excellent base for gold and metal leaf, allowing the full lustre of the leaf to show through without discolouration. It can also be used as a mixing varnish for specialist decorative finishes.

Suitable for use on wood, metal, plaster, glass and most other prepared surfaces — interior and exterior — it is used by professional gilders, decorative painters, signwriters and craft enthusiasts for a wide range of interior and exterior gilding applications including furniture, picture frames, architectural mouldings, exterior signwriting and decorative lettering.

Key Benefits

• Specialist gilding adhesive — provides a reliable adhesive base for gold leaf and metal leaf application
• Clear, high-gloss finish — dries crystal clear to allow the full lustre of gold and metal leaf to show through
• Dual use — suitable as a gilding size and as a mixing varnish for specialist decorative finishes
• Interior and exterior use — suitable for interior and exterior gilding applications
• Versatile surface compatibility — suitable for wood, metal, plaster, glass and most prepared surfaces
• High coverage — 14 m² per litre at 35 micron DFT, cost-effective for detailed gilding work
• 115+ years of British expertise — trusted by professional gilders, decorative painters and craftspeople across the UK

Order before midday for next-day UK delivery.

Coo-Var Finest Pale Gold Size is an excellent choice for a wide range of gilding and decorative finishing applications:

• Picture Frame Gilding — Apply to prepared picture frames before laying gold or metal leaf. The clear, high-gloss formula provides an excellent adhesive base that shows the leaf at its best without discolouration. Suitable for traditional and contemporary frame styles in wood, plaster and resin.

• Architectural Gilding & Mouldings — Apply to plaster, wood and metal architectural mouldings, cornices, columns and decorative features before gilding. The brush application allows precise coverage of detailed profiles and complex mouldings.

• Furniture Gilding & Restoration — Apply to furniture, mirrors and decorative objects before applying gold or metal leaf as part of a restoration or decorative finishing project. Suitable for wood, metal and plaster substrates.

• Exterior Gilding & Architectural Features — Apply to exterior wood, metal and plaster surfaces including exterior signboards, architectural mouldings, gates and decorative metalwork before gilding. Allow full hard dry before exposure to weather.

• Signwriting & Decorative Lettering — Apply to prepared sign boards and surfaces — interior and exterior — before laying gold leaf for traditional gilded signwriting and decorative lettering. Trusted by professional signwriters for consistent, reliable tack.

• Decorative Art & Craft Projects — Use for craft gilding projects including decorative accessories, art pieces and mixed media work. The 250ml size is ideal for craft and studio use where smaller quantities are required.

• Mixing Varnish for Specialist Finishes — Use as a mixing varnish for specialist decorative paint finishes. The clear, gloss formula mixes well and is compatible with a range of decorative painting techniques.

If you need personalised advice on gilding preparation or application, contact our experts via the live chat for tailored guidance.

Coverage: 14 m² per litre at 35 micron dry film thickness

Coverage per size

• 250ml: Covers approximately 3.5 m² per coat

Note: For gilding work, gold size is typically applied in a thin, even coat to the specific areas being gilded rather than as a full surface coating. A 250ml tin will therefore treat a very large number of individual gilding projects.

Typical usage

• For gilding a set of picture frames (approximately 0.5 m² total): a 250ml tin will treat multiple sets
• For gilding architectural mouldings in a room (approximately 2 m²): a 250ml tin will provide 1–2 coats
• For signwriting and decorative lettering: a 250ml tin will treat a very large number of individual letters and details

Recoat after a minimum of 12 hours or overnight at 20°C if a second coat is required.

Surface Preparation

• All surfaces must be clean, dry and free from contaminants before applying
• Surfaces should be smooth and properly prepared — rough or porous surfaces should be sealed and sanded before applying gold size
• Ensure the surface is free from dust, grease and any previous coatings that may affect adhesion

Application

1. Stir the gold size well before use
2. Apply a thin, even coat by brush to the prepared surface
3. Allow to become touch dry — approximately 4 hours at 20°C
4. Test the tack by touching lightly with a knuckle — the size should feel slightly tacky but not wet
5. When the correct tack is reached, apply gold leaf or metal leaf carefully to the sized surface
6. Press the leaf gently into place and remove any excess
7. If a second coat of size is required, allow a minimum of 12 hours or overnight before recoating
8. If thinning is required, thin with Thinners 14 at a maximum of 10%
9. Clean brushes immediately after use with Thinners 14

Drying Times (at 20°C)

• Touch dry: 4 hours
• Hard dry: 12 hours
• Recoat interval: 12 hours or overnight

Drying times will be longer in cold or humid conditions. Low temperature and high humidity will adversely affect application, drying and performance.

Important Notes

• Apply direct to prepared surfaces — no separate primer required for most gilding applications
• The tack window will vary depending on temperature and humidity — test before applying leaf
• Clean equipment with Thinners 14 immediately after use — do not use water
• Flammable — keep away from all ignition sources during application and drying
• For exterior applications, allow full hard dry before exposure to weather

Recommended System Products

Free delivery on orders over £75 — stock up on everything you need in one go and complete the job properly.

Paint Brushes & Paint Trays: Use fine, soft brushes for gold size application to achieve a thin, even coat. Clean with Thinners 14 immediately after use.

What is Coo-Var Finest Pale Gold Size used for?
It is used as a gilding adhesive when applying gold leaf and other metal leaf to prepared surfaces. It can also be used as a mixing varnish for specialist decorative finishes.

What surfaces can it be used on?
Wood, metal, plaster, glass and most other prepared surfaces — interior and exterior. All surfaces must be clean, dry and free from contaminants before applying.

What colour is it?
Clear — it dries to a high-gloss, crystal-clear finish that allows the full lustre of gold and metal leaf to show through without discolouration.

What pack size is available?
250ml.

How much does it cover?
Coverage is approximately 14 m² per litre (3.5 m² per 250ml tin) at 35 micron dry film thickness. For gilding work, the size is typically applied in a thin coat to specific areas, so a 250ml tin will treat a large number of individual gilding projects.

How long before I can apply gold leaf?
Allow approximately 4 hours at 20°C for the size to become touch dry and reach the correct tack. Test by touching lightly with a knuckle — the size should feel slightly tacky but not wet. Apply gold leaf when the correct tack is reached.

How do I know when the tack is right?
Touch the sized surface lightly with a knuckle — it should feel slightly tacky but not wet. The tack window will vary depending on temperature and humidity.

Can I apply more than one coat?
Yes. Allow a minimum of 12 hours or overnight before applying a second coat.

Can I thin it?
Yes. Thin with Thinners 14 at a maximum of 10%. Clean equipment after use with Thinners 14.

What do I clean my brushes with?
Clean brushes immediately after use with Thinners 14. Do not use water — this is a solvent-based product.

Is it flammable?
Yes. This product has a flash point above 32°C and a VOC content of 417 g/litre. Keep away from heat, sparks and naked flames during application and drying. Ensure adequate ventilation at all times.

Can it be used outside?
Yes. It is suitable for interior and exterior use. For exterior applications, allow full hard dry before exposure to weather.

Do you offer next-day delivery?
Yes. Order before midday for next-day delivery to mainland UK addresses. Contact us for delivery options to Scottish Highlands, Northern Ireland and other remote areas.

Safety data sheet
Technical data sheet

We recommend these system products to achieve the best results with Coo-Var Finest Pale Gold Size. Free delivery on orders over £75

Paint Brushes & Paint Trays — use fine, soft brushes for gold size application to achieve a thin, even coat; clean with Thinners 14 immediately after use

Not sure how to prepare your surface or apply gold leaf? Contact our experts via live chat for free, tailored advice.

Fast, Reliable & Fully Tracked UK Delivery

Every order is dispatched from our warehouse using a fully tracked DX or FedEx service, so you always know when your paint will arrive.

Delivery Options

• FREE Standard Delivery (orders over £75) Arrives in 2–3 working days
• Standard Delivery – £7.95 Arrives in 2–3 working days
• Express Delivery – £13.95 Next working day delivery when you order before 12:00 noon (Mon–Thu)
• Spending £75+? Select Express Upgrade at checkout and only pay the difference

Dispatch & Delivery Times (What Happens After You Order)

• Express delivery (order before 12:00 Mon–Thu) Dispatched same day, delivered next working day
• Standard delivery (Mon–Wed orders) Dispatched next working day, delivered 2–3 working days later
• Orders placed Thursday (standard delivery) Dispatched Friday for Monday delivery
• We do not dispatch or deliver on weekends or UK bank holidays

What to Expect on Delivery

Please provide a contact telephone number at checkout. This allows the courier to share tracking updates or contact you if there are any delivery issues.

Most orders require a signature on delivery. If you may not be available during the day, we recommend delivery to a workplace, business address, or another location where someone can sign.

Outside the UK Mainland?

Delivery prices shown apply to UK Mainland only.

For the Highlands, Islands, Northern Ireland, or non-mainland addresses, please contact us for a quick personalised quote via live chat, by calling 01482 222 421, or emailing info@specialistpaintsonline.co.uk.

Bottom Line

Order today, get fast and reliable delivery, track every step, and get painting without delays.