Manetti - New Products
Published on 10.09.2026 by Charlotte
Handover have worked with Manetti for many years now and it is a relationship we value greatly. As one of the most respected names in gold leaf – with a history spanning more than 400 years – their combination of traditional craftmanship, modern production and their strict responsible-sourcing policy are exactly why we will always offer Manetti leaf and Manetti products to our customers.
We have just launched a few new items from Manetti, including a brand new weight of leaf and a powder bole that’s new to their range – replacing our own-brand powder bole, which we have now discontinued (a few colours still available while stocks last) – take a look below.
Take a look at our Supplier Spotlight – Giusto Manetti Battiloro for more information on the company.
You can shop the rest of our Manetti Leaf here >
Manetti : 23ct Gold Leaf : 80 x 80mm : 11g
New Manetti 23ct Gold Leaf 11g booklets – the thinnest gold leaf Manetti has made to date, without any compromise on quality.
As this is a lighter leaf, it calls for a gentler touch when handling and laying it down, and is well suited to fine, detailed gilding work.
Available in Loose or Transfer, books of 25 leaves.
You can shop the rest of our Manetti Leaf here >
Loose
Loose leaf is often used for decoration of inlaid surfaces, it is also sometimes used in the decoration of smooth surfaces where the gilder prefers its use over transfer leaf. In order to gild surfaces of all shapes and sizes, it may also be necessary to cut the leaf into smaller pieces with the use of a gilders knife and cushion.
Transfer
Transfer Leaf is the same as loose leaf except that each leaf has been pressed onto a lightly waxed sheet of tissue paper which can be picked up, thus avoiding contact with the metal. The tissue is then offered up to the sized area and rubbed from behind so that the leaf transfers from the paper to the object to be gilded. Transfer leaf is especially suited for gilding ceilings or other smooth surfaces.
Further pressing is available. As a standard, transfer leaf comes loosely pressed – a loosely pressed leaf will come straight off the paper as soon as you stick any part of it to the gold size. A medium or hard-pressed leaf will only come off where you have pressed the leaf to the size, the rest of the leaf will stay on the paper to use again. The hard-pressed leaf is ideal when working on small letters and details, like honours boards, where the whole leaf coming off would result in a lot of wasted gold.
Any leaf (gold or metal, etc) which is transfer leaf (rather than loose) can be pressed.
Manetti : Variagated Leaf : Loose
Manetti variegated leaf is a decorative, multi-toned imitation metal leaf. Each sheet has a different pattern, produced by chemically treating the metal surface, so no two sheets are identical – made with either a Copper (colour 0) or an Imitation Gold (colour 2.5) base. We stock four patterns – 2 in copper and two in imitation gold.
The 14x14cm loose leaves come in books of 25 leaves per book. Loose imitation leaf can be used to gild both flat and carved surfaces and is well suited to intricate or porous surfaces. It is thicker than genuine gold leaf, making it easier to handle for beginners.
A dedicated protective sealant or lacquer is required after application, to prevent oxidation and tarnishing. As the pattern is created by chemical treatment, colouring and mottling will vary slightly between sheets and between booklets.
Manetti : Powder Bole
Manetti Powder Bole is clay powder to be rehydrated, used as a clay-based ground preparation for water-gilding on wooden supports already treated with gesso. Available in 500g in white, red, black and yellow.
Composition
Clay and pigments powder mixture.
Method of use
Clay powder to be mixed with water (2 parts water to 3 parts bole) for preparing a clay-based ground to be used in water gilding onto wood primed with gesso. After the first mixing, wait 30-45 minutes, then mix again: the mixture will be ready for use with a binding agent, such as a common bole paste.
Yield
13-20 m2/kg.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, sealed in its container and away from direct sources of light and heat.
The suitable environment should have temperatures between 15 and 25 °C and a relative humidity not exceeding 50%.
Additional information
The dilution ratio, application method, and application rate can significantly affect workability times. Determine the most appropriate application methods experimentally, based on the substrates and the desired result.
Manetti : Gelatine
Manetti gelatine sheets are an adhesive suitable for water gilding on glass. Available in packs of 5 sheets that can be easily cut or broken into individual pieces.
Composition
Animal gelatine
Method of use
The gelatine is dissolved in warm distilled water to produce a transparent glue. It is recommended to stay below the boiling temperature. The amount of gelatine, expressed in “diamonds,” varies depending on the application and the type of leaf used: the thicker and heavier the leaf, the greater the amount of gelatine needed to achieve a sufficiently strong glue. On average, it is recommended to use 4 diamonds of gelatine for every litre of water.
Storage
Store in a fresh, dry place, away from water and humidity.
Manetti History
Giusto Manetti Battiloro is a family-owned Florentine company renowned for its premium gold leaf. With a history spanning more than 400 years, Manetti combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create gilding materials for artists, restorers, and craftspeople worldwide.
The story began in Florence in the early 17th century, where the Manetti family operated a small workshop of gilders, engravers, decorators, and gold beaters. In 1602, Matteo Manetti was commissioned to restore the gilded ball atop the dome of Florence Cathedral, beginning a long association with prestigious projects.
In 1820, Luigi Manetti began transforming the workshop into a factory, increasing production while preserving their traditional methods. Manetti continued to establish themselves; however, in the 20th century, both World Wars halted their progress. In particular, the Second World War brought devastation when the factory was destroyed in 1944, but the company recovered.
The family’s specialist knowledge also gained international recognition. Manetti records that the British Museum consulted Giusto Manetti in 1953 about the deterioration of the gold-covered coffin of an ancient Egyptian mummy. His expertise was also sought for advice on gilding the nose cones of rockets for NASA.
By the 19060s, Manetti gold leaf was being used in major projects around the world, including the Palace of Versailles, Windsor Castle, and the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
In 2002, 400 years after Matteo Manetti’s original work, the company contributed to the restoration of the gilded ball on Florence Cathedral once again. Today, Manetti remains one of the world’s leading manufacturers of metal leaf, continuing a tradition passed down through generations of the Manetti family.
Manetti follows a strict responsible-sourcing policy, using certified no-conflict gold obtained from suppliers committed to lawful and ethical practices.
FAQs
What’s the difference between loose and transfer gold leaf?
Loose leaf is often used for decoration of inlaid or textured surfaces – to gild surfaces like picture frames, you can also cut the leaf into smaller pieces with the use of a gilders knife and cushion. Transfer Leaf is the same as loose leaf except that each leaf has been pressed onto a lightly waxed sheet of tissue paper which can be picked up, thus avoiding contact with the metal. The tissue is then offered up to the sized area and rubbed from behind so that the leaf transfers from the paper to the object to be gilded. Transfer leaf is especially suited for gilding ceilings or other smooth surfaces.
What is powder bole used for?
It’s a clay-based ground, mixed with water, used to prepare wooden surfaces already primed with gesso ahead of water gilding.
Is Manetti gold leaf responsibly sourced?
Yes – Manetti uses certified no-conflict gold from suppliers committed to lawful, ethical practices.
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