Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/26/2006

Question
Hi Eileen

I purchased a new endtable about 2.5 years ago with a distressed mirror top edged in 14K gold leaf.  Recently, I noticed that the gold leaf will chip off if I touch it with my fingernail exposing the white undersuface.  Occasionally, the picture frames on the table fall over during dusting, also chipping, not denting, the gold.  The red boule undersurface is very exposed.  The gold leaf is very wrinkled in its application.  The table is not exposed to sunlight or harsh elements.  The feet on the table are fine and appear to have a laquer over it which the table top edge doesnot.  

The store that sold me the table insists that I have damaged the table in cleaning it, but all I have done is dust it every 2 weeks with soft cloth.  I am happy to accept the blame if I am responsible, but I am of the opinion that it was not properly applied because the finish is so delicate that you can barely touch it.

Any ideas?

Thanks
Lisa

Answer
Hi Lisa
Nice to hear from you.
I'm with you on this one.
Gold leaf is applied with glue and should be a lot less delicate than your top seems.
It appears the store is not going to help you so if the table is becoming unsightly, you will have to repair it yourself. Certainly not a hard job doing this.
You will find the materials to do this at a good craft store.
I suspect this is not actual gold but fake gold leaf if it was applied so carelessly.
Good luck
Eileen