Unscrew the drawer pulls from the front of the dresser. Take the drawers out of the dresser.
Sand the surface of the dresser, including the front of the drawers, until smooth. Brush or vacuum away the dust.
Apply a coat of primer to the surfaces of the dresser, including the front of the drawers. You can paint the inside of the drawers too, but you don't need to. Let the primer dry for several hours.
Apply a coat of the dark-colored paint to the dresser and drawer fronts. If you want, paint inside the drawers as well. Let the paint dry for at least three hours.
Coat the dresser and drawer fronts with the gilding size. Let the size sit for at least an hour. It will become sticky when it's ready.
Place a piece of aluminum leaf on top of the dresser in one corner. Keep the wax paper backing on top of the leaf. Use the edge of the wooden ruler to smooth the leaf onto the surface, then carefully peel off the backing. Place another piece of leaf, somewhat overlapping the first piece, then smooth with the ruler and remove the wax paper. You don't have to be precise when you position the aluminum sheets since they will meld together. You may even want some of the paint to show through if you want a worn look.
Continue applying the aluminum leaf to the top of the dresser, then cover the sides and feet. Cover the drawer fronts last.
Apply a coat of leaf sealer to the dresser if you don't want the leaf to flake.
Re-attach the drawer pulls to the front of the drawers, and slide them into the dresser body.