The application of thin sheets of various metals, referred to as leaf, on a prepared surface is termed gilding.
Precious leaf is gold or silver, and can be expensive.
For the sake of clarity, Dutch metal will be referred to herein as composition gold. Real gold leaf does not tarnish and is used when a highly polished and brilliant, durable surface is desired. Gilding is an art, not a science and many aspects of each process will vary. Click on any of the following samples for more detail and a description.