Apply Metallic Leaf with Raised Texture and Pattern
Tacky When Dry Gel Medium and Simple Metal Leaf
There’s something magical about adding a touch of metallic shimmer to a piece of artwork—especially when it catches the light just right. In this tutorial, I’m sharing one of my favorite techniques for creating raised, dimensional texture using metal leaf and a stencil. It’s a simple process, but the results feel rich, layered, and incredibly dynamic.
This method uses Tacky When Dry Gel Medium applied through a stencil to build a subtle raised pattern. Once the medium reaches the perfect level of tackiness, you can apply Simple Metal Leaf directly over the surface. The leaf adheres only where the medium was placed, creating a controlled, intentional design with beautiful reflective qualities.
In this video, I demonstrate how I use a spiral stencil pattern in the background of one of my mixed media collages. The key is that the texture enhances the composition without competing with your focal point. It adds just enough movement and light to bring the entire piece to life.
Timing is everything with this technique. If the gel medium is too wet, the leaf won’t adhere properly. Too dry, and it won’t stick at all. You’re looking for that perfect “tacky” stage—where the surface feels slightly sticky but no longer wet. Once you find that sweet spot, the application becomes easy and very satisfying.
Another benefit of this approach is how clean and controlled it is compared to traditional metal leaf applications. Because you’re working through a stencil, you can introduce metallic elements in a very intentional way—whether you want a bold pattern or a subtle background detail.
If you’ve been curious about incorporating metal leaf into your work, this is a great place to start. It’s approachable, versatile, and adds that extra level of sophistication that makes a piece feel complete.
Watch the video to see the full process step-by-step—and give it a try in your own work.
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