Your Bible is possibly the most important book you own, and its appearance should mirror this importance. Gilding the edges of your Bible not only makes it appear special, but gives it the appearance of an older, more traditional Bible. Gilding the edges of your Bible is simple, and the necessary supplies can all be found in an ordinary craft store.

Cover your work surface with butcher paper and tape down the edges.

Clean the Bible with a cloth, removing all excess dust.

Lightly sand the page edges with the sandpaper. Use your breath and the cloth to remove any excess sanding dust.

  • Your Bible is possibly the most important book you own, and its appearance should mirror this importance.
  • Use your breath and the cloth to remove any excess sanding dust.

Clamp the page edges together along the long side of the pages.

Apply the primer with a soft-bristled paintbrush. Move the clamps as necessary to reach all the page edges. Clean your brush thoroughly. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding.

Apply the bole over the primer in a thin layer. Allow the bole to dry completely. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying time.

  • Clamp the page edges together along the long side of the pages.
  • Apply the bole over the primer in a thin layer.

Apply the adhesive, again using the paintbrush. Allow the adhesive to dry until it is tacky. The adhesive will appear dry but will still pull at your finger when touched. Follow manufacturer's recommended drying times to find the optimal "tacky" stage.

Gold leaf is very delicate, so be patient when applying it to your Bible.

Gently remove the gold leaf from its paper backing.

Carefully lay the gold leaf over the page edge, covering as much surface area as you can with each piece.

With light, smooth strokes and gentle taps, press the gold leaf into the adhesive using the paintbrush. If the gold leaf sheet reaches past the page edges, gently fold it over the edge with the brush and sweep it away, tearing the sheet gently.

  • Apply the adhesive, again using the paintbrush.
  • With light, smooth strokes and gentle taps, press the gold leaf into the adhesive using the paintbrush.

Repeat these steps until all the adhesive is covered with gold leaf. Move the clamps as you work around the page edges. Allow the adhesive to dry completely. Do not move the Bible while the leaf is setting.

Now your Bible is well-dressed for any occasion!

Apply sealant over the gold leaf with the paintbrush. Allow the sealant to dry completely before removing the clamps and opening the Bible. When the sealant is completely dry, flip through the pages a few times to loosen them.

  • Repeat these steps until all the adhesive is covered with gold leaf.
  • Apply sealant over the gold leaf with the paintbrush.

TIP

Primer colours are usually red, yellow or black. Clamping the pages together will help prevent any of the applications to seep into the Bible pages. Pages can be gilded with other metals and materials, such as synthetic gold, which is sturdier than real gold. If small flecks of gold leaf fall off during application, save them to use as patches if there are any gaps in the gilt when you are done. Follow manufacturer's instructions for drying times on all products used in this project. Applying sealant over the gold leaf is optional but recommended, as heavy use of your Bible will wear away the gilding over time.

WARNING

A water-based adhesive is recommended: oil-based adhesives can discolour and deteriorate the Bible pages. Do not allow the adhesive to dry completely, and do not attempt to apply the gilt when the adhesive is still wet.