The Gold Leaf Masterclass
Everything you need to know about working with gold leaf.
Coming soonAll images throughout this page form part of the course
A premium, specialised course
Designed specifically to master the art of gold leaf application.
The Gold Leaf Masterclass is a premium, specialised course designed specifically to master the art of gold leaf application. The curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of both surface gilding and reverse glass gilding.
Please note that this advanced course assumes you have already developed the necessary brush skills to paint clean, precise letterforms. Because the final piece will only look as flawless as your initial layout, proficiency with a sign painting brush is essential.
If you need to build your foundational skills first, we recommend exploring our introductory courses — the Beginners Bootcamp and The Full Course — to bring you up to speed.
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Taught through real-time demonstrations, this masterclass features step-by-step videos of numerous projects covering every aspect of gilding within the sign painting industry. By following this programme, you will gain a lifetime of specialised skills and build an impressive portfolio — a vital asset for securing well-paid commission work.
Throughout the course, you will work with various types of metal leaf, including imitation gold and notoriously difficult aluminium leaf. You will learn the exact techniques required to lay loose gold leaf on glass, achieving that stunning, flawless mirror-gold finish.
As with any traditional trade, we begin with the fundamentals. You will learn age-old techniques, essential tools, and material chemistry to guarantee consistent, high-quality results. Once you master the basics, you will unlock advanced insider techniques that will make your craftsmanship stand out from the competition.
The curriculum includes more than 20 practical projects. Within these lessons, I share the proprietary tips and tricks I have developed over my 35+ years as a professional sign painter. I have made every mistake possible, learned from them, and developed invaluable, problem-solving techniques that you simply cannot find in books, on YouTube, or anywhere else.
These cherry-picked demonstrations combine the very best content from my collection into one massive, definitive resource. As with all courses at the Signpainters Academy, you can access these lessons anytime, anywhere, and learn at your own pace.
The mastery that sets you apart
Basic lettering layout is only the beginning. To build a profitable business, your signs must command attention.
Traditional gold leaf gilding is the ultimate premium service. A single book of 23-carat gold leaf costs very little, but the finished sign commands top-tier pricing. When you master the interaction between gold, wood and glass, you stop competing with digital print and vinyl shops. You become a high-value artisan.
The Gold Leaf Masterclass bridges the gap between basic brush control and advanced gold leaf application. We assume you already know how to paint nice letter shapes. This course delivers the precise trade secrets needed to make your work stand out in a crowd.
Surface gilding for exterior signage
Apply gold leaf flawlessly to flat surfaces, fascia boards and panels that withstand the elements.
- The Science of Size: master quick-dry, 3-hour and slow-setting oil sizes.
- The Brightness Secret: learn why slower-drying sizes yield a mirror-like shine.
- Material Manipulation: handle loose and patent leaf effortlessly, without waste.
- Texture & Dimension: create stunning directional burnishing and matte contrasts.
Reverse glass gilding
The Rolls-Royce of signs.
Master reverse water gilding on glass to craft stunning high-street shopfronts and bespoke mirrors.
- The Gelatine Mix: prepare flawless water size.
- Glass Prep: eliminate pooling, fish-eyes and gold leaf failure.
- The Backup Process: protect your artwork with crisp black enamel outlines.
- Advanced Trickery: blend split shades, cast shadows, and incorporate pearl or abalone accents.
Inside the Academy learning system
Over-the-shoulder video modules — real-time, close-up footage explaining every single brush stroke.
As with all the courses within the Academy, everything is based upon hands-on, craft-based learning. Visually led, rather than text heavy.
- Step-by-step lesson guides.
- Learn your tools and materials.
- Nothing is edited out: if I make a mistake, you’ll see how I deal with it.
- You will also learn other top-end techniques throughout the demos, which will further enhance your work.
- Start building a stunning portfolio, vital for selling your work.
Practical demonstrations: build your portfolio
We do not just want you to watch; we want you to create.
Every single demonstration in this masterclass is intentionally designed so that you follow along and make your own physical pieces.
By the end of the course you will not just have new knowledge — you will have built a vital, high-end physical portfolio. These finished glass panels and surface signs will serve as your ultimate sales tool, allowing you to showcase your stunning craftsmanship and secure premium client commissions immediately.
Built for the modern artisan
No matter where your workshop is located, the Academy brings the trade directly to you.
This programme is designed to fit seamlessly into a working sign painter’s busy schedule.
- Worldwide access: log in from any country, on any device.
- Watch anytime, anywhere: learn on your desktop in the shop, or on your phone directly on the job site.
- Unlimited on-demand playback: pause, rewind and rewatch critical techniques as often as required, until your muscle memory takes over.
What is included in your 1-year subscription
- 365 days of unlimited access to the complete surface and reverse glass video library.
- Portfolio-building projects: step-by-step practical guides to create your own showpieces.
- Printable layout guides and downloadable material reference sheets.
- Direct Academy support via our global community platform.
Claim your mastery today. Stop leaving high-end commercial budgets on the table — elevate your lettering into high-value art.
“I’m not new to using a brush or letter writing, but I’ve been winging it for some time now as a fan of the craft at amateur level at best. Now, because of correct practice techniques, focus and brush drills through your direction, my ability has transformed remarkably. My feel for the paint is more dialled in now and my confidence has grown too.”
“The course has been great. I’ve been looking for a creative outlet that might also become a bit of a ‘side-hustle’ for me. The structure of the course and the content has helped me know where to start, and the recommendations on equipment gave me the confidence to jump in and start making things. Being able to re-watch the videos is crucial — I’ve got small kids and limited time. I think it’s been great value.”
“Paul, thank you so much for offering this course, it has inspired me so much. It has given me so much more confidence and following your instructions has really helped. The videos are awesome and I love being able to watch anytime I want. The projects are awesome, especially for the beginners.”
“There really is a lot to work with here. Perfect whether you’re starting out or want to give what you already paint that ‘pop’ to make it stand out.”
“Paul teaches all you want to know about sign painting, and all the stuff you didn’t know you wanted to know.”
“Omg amazing, I cannot wait to get started on these beautiful letters!! And with Paul’s clear and detailed instruction I am confident I can pick this up in no time.”
“There’s so much information packed into this course, but Paul breaks it all down for you. I’ve learned loads already and I’m only up to ‘M’.”
“Started six month ago on this course and I am so inspired. Loving the videos that are helpful as I’m a total novice with no graphic or arts background/education. All the crafts I have done in the past are self taught and by watching YouTube …”
“Thirty years ago I trained as a signwriter and then pursued other careers. In my semi-retirement I have picked up my brushes again. Signing up with the Signpainters’ Academy was the best decision I could have made as it is exactly what …”
“This is a fantastic course! It’s jam packed with everything from the basic brush strokes & various letterforms such as Script, Roman, Casual, Block and then the many techniques of shading, blending and even gilding! Paul talks you through …”
“If you are a hobbyist or are looking to become professional it's a great course. You have to keep at the practice though and be quite dedicated to get the most out of it. The print out practice sheets and Pauls videos are clear and helpful …”
“I’ve really enjoyed the Sign Painters Academy course with Paul. It’s very well paced and easy to follow, although challenging in places, but that is the point if you want to really progress. He takes the time to show all the little nuances …”
“The Signpainter's Academy has been the centre of my sign writing journey since I started 5 years ago. It's been an absolutely priceless resource. Thoroughly comprehensive, seemingly unending amounts of content along side the main structure …”
“Indepth signpainting course, easy to follow and has helped me greatly in my sign painting journey.”