How to Gold Leaf Stairs: A DIY Guide to Transform Your Stairs

By Chupi Sweetman,
Tue, Apr 28, 2026

There’s something quietly magical about gold leaf. It catches the light, softens the edges of a space, and turns the everyday into something extraordinary.

We recently brought this technique into the home, transforming a simple staircase with delicate sheets of gold. You may have spotted Chupi's staircase on Dermot Bannon’s Celebrity Super Spaces, and if it stayed with you, you’re not alone.

This is not about perfection. It’s about creating something full of warmth, texture, and joy.

Here’s how to gold leaf your stairs at home.

What You’ll Need

Gold leaf sheets
Gold leaf adhesive (size)
Gold leaf varnish (sealer)
A soft dry brush
A clean cloth

You can find everything here:

Step 1: Prepare your surface

Begin by gently cleaning the back of each step. Remove any dust, dirt, or residue. A clean surface is everything. It allows the gold to settle softly and adhere properly.

Step 2: Place the Gold Leaf

Using a brush, apply a very thin layer of gold leaf adhesive. Less is more here. You are creating a delicate base, not a heavy coat.

Step 3: Place the Gold Leaf

Gold leaf is incredibly fragile. Lift each sheet carefully using its backing paper, then softly press it onto the tacky adhesive. Use a dry brush to smooth it into place, letting it follow the natural texture beneath.

Step 4: Let It Rest

Allow the adhesive and gold leaf to dry for around 5 to 6 hours. This is where the transformation begins to settle and take shape.

Step 5: Brush Away the Excess

Now for the most satisfying part. Using a soft dry brush, gently sweep away the excess gold leaf. What remains is a beautifully imperfect, textured finish that feels alive.

Step 6: Seal the Finish

Apply 2 to 3 coats of gold leaf varnish to protect the surface. This step gives your work longevity while preserving its soft, luminous glow.

Step 7: Embrace Imperfection

If a section tears or feels incomplete, simply layer another piece of gold leaf over it. There is no need to start again. The beauty of this process lies in its organic, layered finish.

Step 8: Step Back and Admire

Brush away any final excess, then take a moment.

The light will catch in ways you didn’t expect. The texture will shift as you move. It will never be perfectly uniform, and that is exactly the point.

A final thought

Is it perfect? No.

But it creates something far more meaningful. A sense of craft. A moment of stillness. A small piece of everyday magic in your home.

And once you see it, you’ll understand why we fell in love with it.